WHO targets non-communicable diseases
24 Sep BBC
The World Health Organization has set out a plan to tackle
non-communicable diseases like heart disease, which now pose a greater
global burden than infectious diseases.
"Lifestyle-related" diseases are now the leading cause of death
worldwide, killing 36 million people a year.
Much of the toll is in low and middle-income countries and this is
where efforts must be focused, says WHO. It suggests affordable steps
governments should take.
The list includes measures that target the population as a whole,
such as excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol, smoke-free indoor
workplaces and public places, as well as campaigns to reduce salt and
dangerous fats in foods.
Other tactics focus on individuals and include screening and
treatment for cardiovascular disease and cervical cancer, as well as
immunisation against hepatitis B to prevent liver cancer. |