Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 150 million premature deaths among people aged 30 to 70, with a significant impact in developing Commonwealth nations. These diseases encompass cardiovascular conditions, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
In light of the pressing challenges posed by NCDs, government leaders and various stakeholders convened on Friday during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, to reaffirm their dedication to addressing these health issues and enhancing mental health initiatives.
The event, titled “Weaving a Healthy Commonwealth Aiga for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases and Promoting Mental Health,” was co-organized by Samoa’s Ministry of Health, the WHO Representative Office in Samoa, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The gathering underscored the necessity of robust political will, partnerships, and community engagement in confronting the global health challenges of NCDs and mental health concerns.
Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, WHO representative for Samoa and surrounding regions, emphasized that addressing NCDs and mental health requires collaboration across the entire government and society. “By working together across different sectors and leveraging community strengths, we can significantly alleviate the burden of NCDs and mental health conditions,” she stated.
Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma, Director General of Health, discussed Samoa’s unique approach towards these issues. He mentioned the “Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa,” which has been successfully implemented in the community, showcasing the country’s commitment to combating NCDs and mental health challenges.
Dr. Ekeroma further noted that the Samoan government is continuously seeking innovative collaborations with other sectors to reduce the prevalence of NCDs and enhance mental health, ensuring sustainable and effective health outcomes for the population.
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