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The increasing
prevalence of noncommunicable diseases is a serious
challenge, where the success in extending life
expectancy is translated into a real threat to global
health. Health services focus on dealing with acute
conditions that last for a short time usually ending
with either cure or death. In contrast, noncommunicable
diseases start slowly and often asymptomatically but
last longer. Many patients have to live with
noncommunicable diseases for the rest of their lives.
Reorientation of health systems to efficiently deal with
noncommunicable diseases is a real challenge which
involves patients, physicians, health workers and the
community at large. Dealing with noncommunicable
diseases is beyond the capacity of the health sector
alone. Interventions must also come from other sectors,
e.g. ministries of industry, commerce, agriculture,
justice, etc. The lack of sufficiently effective, safe,
easy-to-use, and inexpensive medications is another
important challenge.
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Extract from the annual report, 2007 |
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About Noncommunicable Diseases
 Chronic noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes,
cardiovascular
diseases, risk factors, chronic respiratory diseases
and cancer
are the major
causes of morbidity and mortality in the Region. They pose
significant challenges burden on public health services. It is
vital that the increasing importance of chronic disease is
anticipated, understood and acted upon urgently. This requires a new
approach by national leaders who are in a position to strengthen
chronic disease prevention and control efforts, and by the
international public health community. |
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Cancer |
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Cancer
is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells. It
can affect almost any part of the body. The growths
often invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize
to distant sites. Many cancers can be prevented by
avoiding exposure to common risk factors, such as
tobacco smoke
changes in diet (qualitative and quantitative).
More |
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Chronic respiratory diseases
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Chronic
respiratory diseases are chronic diseases of the
airways and other structures of the lung. Some of
the most common are asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, respiratory allergies,
occupational lung diseases and pulmonary
hypertension.
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Cardiovascular
diseases |
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Cardiovascular diseases, includes coronary heart
disease (heart attacks), cerebro-vascular disease
(stroke), raised blood pressure, peripheral artery
disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart
disease and heart failure.
More |
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Diabetes |
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Diabetes
is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas
does not produce enough insulin, or alternatively,
when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it
produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood
sugar.
More |
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