Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque put emphasis on creating awareness among mass people to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the country. “In our country, the number of people suffering from NCDs is increasing rapidly. Besides, the government’s multidimensional projects and mass awareness are also vital to reduce NCDs from the country,” he said. He said this while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on ‘Multi-dimensional work plan to prevent and control of non-communicable diseases’ organised by the health ministry at a city hotel, said a press release.”The government is paying special attention to tackle NCDs at the primary healthcare level putting emphasis on early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and cancer to prevent life-threatening complications, including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure,” he said.
“In the recent years, NCDs have globally shown increasing impact on health status in populations with disproportionately higher rates in our country. NCDs are the leading cause of mortality and a serious public health threat to the people,” he added.
Secretary of the ministry Asadul Islam presided over the programme while Chairman of Community Clinic Health Support Trust Professor Dr Syed Modasser Ali and Secretary (Health Education and Family Welfare Division) Shaikh Yusuf Harun were present, among others.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease are collectively responsible for almost 70 percent death across the globe. WHO also warned that NCDs will be the cause of 80 percent deaths in the developing countries by the next year.
Of the deaths, about half will be premature deaths under the age of 70.
