Menace of Non-communicable Disease
Globally, non-communicable diseases account for almost 50% of the total health burden in terms of mortality. In South-East Asia Region NCDs are meanwhile the leading cause of death: an estimated 7.9 million lives are lost due to NCDs accounting for 55% of all death in the Region. We found more than half of the disease burden in our country is due to NCDs. Most important, NCDs claim lives at a younger age in the SEA region compared to the rest of the world.
Nearly half of all deaths were due to NCDs. The major NCDs in Nepal are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Behavioural factors such as unhealthy diet, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity are influenced towards increasing NCDs which are further driven by social, economic, and environmental determinants. Non-communicable diseases (NCD) represent a major peril to the economic growth and development and human health of any nation.
Every year STEPS survey of non-communicable disease (NCD)risk factors in Nepal was carried out. Last year in 2019 from February to May 2019 this was took place. The survey collected socio-demographic and behavioral information (tobacco, alcohol, diet, physical activity). Physical measurements such as height, weight, and blood pressure were done to estimate obesity and raised BP prevalence. Biochemical measurements were collected to assess blood glucose and cholesterol levels. The survey was a population-based household survey of adults aged 15-69 years. A multistage sample design was used to produce representative data for that age range in Nepal. A total of 5593 adults participated in the survey. The overall response rate was 86.4%. A repeat survey is planned for 2024.
Spare some time and participate in UN75 survey
Note : It can be completed under 1 min and use code NHM as refferal code
World Health Organization (WHO) estimates for deaths attributed to Non-communicable disease (NCDs)in Nepal have risen from 60% in 2014 to 66% in 2016. The proportional mortality 30% from cardiovascular diseases, 9% from cancers, 10% from chronic obstructive disease, 4% from diabetes 13% from other NCDs and 9% from injuries and 25% from communicable, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional conditions. NCDs constitute a major public health problem in Nepal. The health system of Nepal has not been able to address the ever-increasing burden of NCDs. With the formulation of the Multisectoral Action Plan for Prevention and Control of NCDs 2014-2020, we can see slight changes. We can somehow tackle the NCDs and their social determinants in Nepal through the primary prevention approach.
Prevention and treatment of NCDs and their risk factors in Nepal is an emerging Public Health issue. The prevalence of non-balance diet food, obesity, and overweight, raised cholesterol levels and blood pressure is considerably high among the Nepalese population. To overcome the problems arising from NCDs Nepal PEN package has been introduced to screen, diagnose, treat, and refer cardiovascular disease, COPD, cancer, and diabetes at the health post and PHC. The program was started in two pilot districts Ilam and Kailali in October 2016. The 4th time endorsed PEN protocol’s main goal is to access high-quality diagnosis and patient-centered care as well as to reduce suffering and socio-economic burden of major NCDs. The total implement of the National PEN program coverage has reached 10 districts only. However, it is planned to add more than 20 districts in the upcoming days.
Though, a new study published by Nepal Health Research Council clearly states that NCDs are the highest contributor of deaths in Nepal but a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet food consumption and proper change in the other social determinant has reduced the effect.
References:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Annual Report of Nepal FY 2074/75
- Nepal STEPS Survey 2019 Fact Sheet NCDs
- Multisectoral Action Plan for Prevention and Control of NCDs 2014-2020
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