Sources are indicating that in developed countries, NCDs are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, contributing to substantial healthcare costs and societal burden. Similarly, in developing nations, NCDs are increasingly prevalent, exerting pressure on already strained healthcare infrastructures and posing significant economic and social challenges. The challenges posed by non-communicable diseases are multifaceted and pervasive, affecting individuals and societies in both developed and developing countries.
The global nature of NCDs necessitates concerted efforts to address the shared risk factors, strengthen healthcare systems, and implement comprehensive strategies to reduce the burden of these diseases on a global scale. One of the fundamental challenges posed by NCDs in both developed and developing countries is their multifaceted impact on public health. The burden of NCDs extends beyond individual health, affecting productivity, economic growth, and overall well-being.
In most developing countries, where healthcare resources may be limited, the management and treatment of NCDs can strain already overburdened healthcare systems, potentially leading to disparities in access to quality care. Concurrently, in developed nations, the rising prevalence of NCDs presents complex challenges in terms of healthcare delivery, resource allocation, and long-term management of chronic conditions. The risk factors associated with NCDs such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption are prevalent in both developed and developing countries.
As some sources indicated while these conditions are commonly associated with older age groups, evidence indicates that 17 million NCD deaths occur before the age of 70. Shockingly, 86% of these premature deaths are estimated to happen in low- and middle-income countries. Vulnerability to the risk factors contributing to NCDs spans across children, adults, and the elderly, whether stemming from unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, exposure to tobacco smoke, the harmful use of alcohol, or air pollution.
These shared risk factors underscore the global nature of the NCD challenge and emphasize the need for coordinated, multi-sectorial approaches to address these common underlying factors. In addition to the direct health impact, NCDs also have broader socioeconomic implications, affecting quality of life, productivity, and healthcare expenditure. The societal and economic burden of NCDs can be substantial, impacting individuals and families through increased healthcare costs, reduced income due to illness, and diminished quality of life.
These diseases are propelled by factors such as rapid unplanned urbanization, the globalization of unhealthy lifestyles, and population aging. Unhealthy diets and a lack of physical activity can manifest as raised blood pressure, increased blood glucose, elevated blood lipids, and obesity, known as metabolic risk factors, which can lead to cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of premature deaths among NCDs.
According to the Ministry of Health, NCDs (heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease) collectively account for 52% of all deaths in Ethiopia. Speaking at a seminar focused on strengthening national health extension services, organized by the Ministry of Health along with Last Mile Health, State Minister Dereje Dhuguma (MD) highlighted the escalating burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) nationwide. He emphasized that a striking 80% of hospital beds are occupied by patients suffering from NCDs.
Globally, NCDs collectively account for 71% of all deaths, out of a total of fifty-seven million deaths, with African countries, including Ethiopia, bearing a substantial burden, constituting 70-80% of global death percentages.
In Ethiopia, major NCDs such as blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and mental health problems are significantly impacting the community’s health. Historically, minimal attention was given to NCDs, with a greater focus on maternal and child health. This lack of attention has led to a resurgence of NCDs, making prevention more challenging. Dereje Dhuguma (MD) underscored the havoc that non-communicable diseases are wreaking on the nation’s health system.
The community’s awareness of NCDs remains minimal, resulting in adverse effects on public health. Dereje urged relevant stakeholders to recognize the urgent need to raise public awareness of NCDs and the adjustable risk factors associated with these conditions. The epidemic of NCDs poses severe health consequences for individuals, families, and communities, and poses a significant threat to overwhelm health systems. Furthermore, the socioeconomic costs associated with NCDs make the prevention and control of these diseases a crucial development imperative for the 21st century.
Dereje also highlighted that many patients only seek medical help when their physical and mental health conditions have reached a critical stage due to the lack of awareness. This underscores the critical need for proactive awareness and preventive measures.
An effective strategy to control non-communicable diseases (NCDs) involves focusing on reducing the risk factors associated with these conditions.
Governments and stakeholders can implement low-cost solutions to address common modifiable risk factors. It is crucial to monitor the progress and trends of NCDs and their associated risks to guide policy and priorities effectively.
To mitigate the impact of NCDs on individuals and society, a comprehensive approach involving collaboration across all sectors – including health, finance, transport, education, agriculture, and planning – is essential. This collaboration aims to reduce NCD risks and promote interventions for prevention and control.
Investing in improved NCD management is critical. This includes detection, screening, treatment, and access to palliative care for those in need. Delivering high-impact essential NCD interventions through primary health care can strengthen early detection and timely treatment. Evidence suggests that such interventions are excellent economic investments as they can reduce the need for more expensive treatments when provided early.
Countries with insufficient health care coverage may struggle to provide universal access to essential NCD interventions, making NCD management interventions vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets related to NCDs.
The Ministry of Health is prioritizing NCDs, engaging communities to promote healthy practices. This approach holds significance for both individuals and the community as a whole. The Ministry has taken steps to increase access to health services, with over 1200 health facilities nationwide providing cervical cancer examinations, leading to the identification of over 750,000 cases in a single year.
The Ministry is committed to community prevention efforts, with health extension workers conducting door-to-door visits to enhance pre-examination and counseling. Currently, training is underway for 4000 health extension workers, with plans to train an additional 1500 workers in the current physical year.
Tackling NCDs necessitates comprehensive strategies that encompass health promotion, disease prevention, early detection, and effective management, requiring collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, civil society, and international organizations. Addressing NCDs in both developed and developing countries requires a holistic approach that integrates preventive measures, access to essential healthcare services, health education, and policies aimed at reducing risk factors, thus mitigating the widespread impact of these diseases.
BY MENGISTEAB TEHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2024
