Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) lead to approximately 150 million premature deaths in individuals aged 30 to 70, mainly in developing Commonwealth nations. These diseases encompass cardiovascular conditions, cancers, chronic respiratory issues, and diabetes.
In response to the pressing challenge posed by NCDs, leaders and various stakeholders convened on Friday during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa. Their aim was to reaffirm their dedication to addressing these health concerns and enhancing mental well-being.
The gathering, titled “Weaving a Healthy Commonwealth Aiga for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases and Promoting Mental Health,” was organized in cooperation with Samoa’s Ministry of Health, the WHO Representative Office in Samoa, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The discussions underscored the critical need for strong political will, collaboration, and community engagement to effectively confront the global health issues associated with NCDs and mental health.
Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, WHO representative for Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, emphasized that the fight against NCDs and mental health challenges requires involvement beyond the health sector. “It necessitates the engagement of the entirety of government and society. By collaborating across various sectors and utilizing community resources, we can considerably alleviate the impact of NCDs and mental health disorders,” she stated.
Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma, Director General of Health, highlighted Samoa’s distinctive approach to combating these diseases. He noted that the Ministry of Health has successfully implemented the “Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa” within local communities, reflecting a strong commitment to addressing NCDs and mental health issues. “We are continuously exploring innovative methods to bolster our partnerships with other sectors, aiming to reduce NCDs and enhance mental health. The Samoan government is committed to nurturing these collaborations to achieve sustainable and meaningful health outcomes for our population,” Dr. Ekeroma added.
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