DHAKA, Nov 27, 2019 (BSS) – Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid
Maleaque today 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 was 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.