WHO establishes Global High-level Commission on NCDs in Pacific

Suva, Fiji, Mar 17: WHO has established an Independent Global High-level Commission to cope with the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer in the Pacific.

Tongan Minister of Health and Public Enterprises Saia Ma’u Piukala has been appointed as one of the commissioners who will help raise awareness of the issues and experiences of NCDs in the Pacific, according to a report from World Health Organisation.
The Commission, launched by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on February 16 last, comprises heads of state, ministers, leaders in health and development and entrepreneurs.
It will propose bold and innovative solutions to accelerate prevention and control of NCDs. Of the 37 countries and areas in the Western Pacific Region, Tonga and Singapore have had commissioners appointed.
By global standards, the Western Pacific region has some of the highest rates of NCDs. The major NCDs of cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancers alone account for more than eight out of ten deaths in the region.
Many of these deaths are premature (under 60 years of age), and preventable. Tonga is no exception, with recent statistics highlighting that approximately one in five Tongans have diabetes. Whilst the burden is significant, these deaths can be avoided by taking action to eliminate tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol, reducing physical inactivity, improving diets and strengthening the screening and management of individuals at risk of NCDs.
'We’ve taken some positive steps to reduce the burden of NCDs in Tonga, but much more needs to be done,' said Minister Piukala.
'These are avoidable diseases. This is why we have developed and are implementing a National Strategy for combating NCDs , which localises global guidelines and sets forth realistic, achievable actions for our entire community. In Tonga, some of the biggest drivers of this crisis are unhealthy diets and lack of physical
activity,' he said.
'We need innovative ways to protect people from tobacco, change behaviours and provide our communities with safer, healthier options. As a Commissioner, I look forward to being part of the global discussion to come up with practical solutions that can be applied in the Pacific,' Dr Piukala said.
Combating NCDs, and promoting mental health and wellbeing, are major priorities for WHO in the Pacific. 'Right now, the Pacific is facing an epidemic of NCDs,' said Dr Corinne Capuano, Director of Pacific Technical Support and WHO Representative to the South Pacific.
'That’s why we’re working with Pacific island leaders to take action. We have been supporting Pacific Islands to use local data and knowledge to come up with practical, cost-effective ways to tackle NCDs,' Dr Capuano said, adding that 'success will depend upon bold, proactive leadership by our Pacific leaders, such as Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala.'
The new Commission will provide actionable recommendations to the WHO Director-General Dr Tedros. They may also provide an input to the Third United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on NCDs that will take place in New York in the second half of 2018. UNI