Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), pervasive chronic illnesses, continue to cast a long shadow over the health landscape of developing nations. These diseases are intricately linked with social determinants such as poverty, limited education, and unemployment, affecting people across diverse demographics, including the populous nation of Nigeria.
The relentless impact of NCDs extends beyond individual health concerns, amplifying poverty rates, hindering economic development, and straining already fragile health systems. This creates a precarious situation where nations become more vulnerable to emergencies, be it infectious disease outbreaks or natural disasters. To address this escalating challenge, there is an urgent need for proactive and prompt measures.
The commitment of the UN General Assembly and the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO) underscore the gravity of the situation. NCDs have emerged as the leading cause of death globally, necessitating coordinated global action. High-Level Meetings on NCDs in 2011, 2014, and 2018 reinforced the crucial role of the WHO in promoting and monitoring this global initiative.
The statistics are stark and unequivocal. NCDs, arising from a complex interplay of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors, encompass cardiovascular disorders, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, and diabetes. According to World Bank data, a staggering 41 million deaths, equivalent to seven out of 10 deaths globally, can be attributed to NCDs. Notably, 77% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, underscoring the disproportionate burden on these nations.
Alarmingly, 85% of premature deaths between the ages of 30 and 69 in low- and middle-income countries can be attributed to NCDs, affecting children, adults, and the elderly. The primary catalyst for the rising prevalence of NCDs in these regions lies in the absence of well-designed plans to prevent the development of these diseases. While countries have formulated NCD preventive policies, challenges such as limited resources and insufficient financial means for policy implementation hinder their effectiveness. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have become overstretched in the process.
The crux of the matter is clear – a shift from coping strategies borrowed from high-income countries to tailored management strategies for each nation is imperative.
The crux of the matter is clear – a shift from coping strategies borrowed from high-income countries to tailored management strategies for each nation is imperative. NCDs management involves not only prevention but also recognition, screening, treatment, and palliative care for those affected. These interventions are crucial for meeting global goals, aiming for a 25% decrease in the risk of premature death from NCDs by 2025 and a one-third reduction in NCD-related premature deaths by 2030, as outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
A focus on reducing modifiable risk factors, such as cigarette use, hazardous alcohol consumption, poor diets, and a lack of physical activity, emerges as a critical approach. Governments can implement various strategies to minimise NCDs among adults, such as imposing taxes on harmful products like tobacco and alcohol to fund fruit and vegetable subsidy programs. Additionally, enforcing high standards for food and beverages, promoting physical activity in schools and workplaces, monitoring air quality, and establishing smoke-free zones can contribute significantly to preventing NCDs at all stages of life.
However, the reliance on individual willpower alone is insufficient. The creation of supportive structures, motivational networks, and national policies is essential to sustaining healthy lifestyle choices. A proactive technique for preventing NCDs involves focusing on women’s health before and during pregnancy, addressing the source of the disease and influencing children’s susceptibility to NCDs later in life.
The implementation of effective legal structures is crucial, emphasising people-centred healthcare and universal health coverage as the focal points of healthcare systems. A primary healthcare strategy can provide high-impact NCD therapies, ensuring early identification and timely treatment. Governments should incentivize high-quality research and development aligned with NCD prevention and control.
Furthermore, recognizing that NCD risk factors extend beyond the health sector, a multi-sectoral approach becomes indispensable. Collaboration across sectors such as health, finance, transportation, education, agriculture, and urban planning is vital to lowering NCD risks and promoting measures for prevention and control. The comprehensive approach requires a united effort to alleviate the burden of NCDs on individuals and society.
In a more specific context, the essay directs attention to Nigeria, urging authorities to take the prescriptions seriously. The eradication of non-communicable diseases in the country demands immediate action, with time not on their side. The emphasis lies in implementing measures swiftly to ensure a better quality of life for Nigerians in the health sector. This calls for a holistic approach encompassing economic growth, effective policies, and a robust healthcare system.
On the whole, we admonish that the battle against non-communicable diseases in developing nations necessitates a multi-faceted, collaborative, and swift approach. The global community must rally behind these nations, providing support and resources to implement effective strategies. Only through concerted efforts can we break the chains of non-communicable diseases and pave the way for healthier, more prosperous societies in the future.
