At the 156th session of the World Health Organization's Executive Board, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, Cameroon's Minister of Public Health, delivered a compelling address highlighting the escalating threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the African region. He emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat these diseases, which are increasingly burdening healthcare systems across the continent.
Dr. Malachie underscored the alarming prevalence of NCDs, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers, noting that these conditions are responsible for a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality in Africa. He pointed out that the rising incidence of NCDs is exacerbated by factors including urbanization, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and the increasing use of tobacco and alcohol.
In his speech, Dr. Malachie called for the integration of NCD prevention and control into primary healthcare systems. He advocated for the implementation of cost-effective interventions, such as the WHO's Package of Essential Noncommunicable (PEN) disease interventions, which aim to strengthen early detection and management of NCDs at the primary care level.
He also highlighted the importance of multisectoral collaboration, urging governments to engage sectors beyond health, including education, agriculture, and finance, to address the social determinants of health that contribute to NCDs. Dr. Malachie stressed that "a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach is essential to effectively tackle the NCD epidemic."
Furthermore, Dr. Malachie emphasized the need for robust health data systems to monitor NCD trends and evaluate the impact of interventions. He called upon the WHO and international partners to support capacity-building initiatives in data collection and analysis, which are crucial for informed decision-making and policy formulation.
In conclusion, Dr. Malachie reaffirmed Cameroon's commitment to combating NCDs and called for increased global solidarity and support to strengthen health systems in Africa. He reminded the assembly that "the fight against NCDs is not only a health issue but also a development imperative," urging collective action to ensure a healthier future for all.
Dr. Malachie's address serves as a critical reminder of the growing NCD burden in Africa and the need for comprehensive, collaborative, and data-driven approaches to address this pressing health challenge.
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Dr. Manaouda Malachie's Position:
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