Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), like diabetes, cause a quarter of deaths in South Africa, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said.
“Globally, deaths due to NCDs are projected to increase by 17% over the next 10 years, but the greatest increase of 24% is expected in the African region,” he said in Johannesburg.
He reported that a non-communicable disease summit the United Nations’ general assembly had identified NCDs as a global development crisis.
It was estimated that non-communicable diseases would contribute to 75% of global deaths by 2030.
NCDs prevention possible
“Inadequate knowledge about how environmental and behavioural factors are causing NCDs amongst much of the population also allows NCDs to grow at unprecedented rates,” Motsoaledi said.
He said the prevention of NCDs in South Africa was possible, but that the country had to focus on a number of areas to do so.
“These are information and research, prevention through intersectoral and personal efforts, better screening and ensuring better management and control of NCDs.”
He said the SA National Health and Nutrition Survey, which would be conducted soon, would among other things collect data on NCDs.
Poverty increases NCDs
Motsoaledi said poverty contributed to an increase in non-communicable diseases.
In poorer communities there was limited access to information on lifestyle changes.
“We cannot expect people to behave in healthy ways unless they know what is healthy and what is not.”
He said the department of health would be active in educating the public in terms of both primary and secondary prevention.
Motsoaledi said the National Health Insurance system would increase accessibility to better health resources and would help deal with NCDs.
[Prevent disease by assisting the body through activated oxygen (ozone therapy) in an ozone steam sauna]
(Sapa, September 2011) – Edited by Salvagente
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