WHO warns of growing NCD burden despite longer lives 

Noncommunicable diseases now account for nearly three-quarters of global deaths despite global life expectancy recovering to 73.3 years in 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported. 

The WHO’s latest Global Health Estimates showed that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, accounted for 74 per cent of deaths worldwide, underscoring a growing global health challenge. 

A statement issued by the WHO and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the estimates, released on October 2, indicated that heart disease remained the leading cause of death globally, while diabetes, dementia, anxiety and depression continued to contribute substantially to illness and disability. 

The organisation reported that deaths associated with dementia had tripled since 2000, reflecting the increasing burden of age-related and chronic conditions. 

Diabetes was also emerging as a major cause of death across many regions, while anxiety and depression were driving higher numbers of years lived in poor health, the statement said. 

The WHO said gains in life expectancy are increasingly being accompanied by rising demand for prevention, treatment and long-term care services for chronic diseases. 

The organisation said the increase in global life expectancy was encouraging but stressed the need to ensure that longer lives were matched by better health outcomes. 

The estimates highlighted the importance of strengthening disease prevention measures and building health systems capable of responding to changing disease patterns and the growing burden of NCDs. 

The WHO encouraged individuals and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles to help improve healthy life expectancy. 

It recommended eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco use, getting adequate sleep and undertaking regular health checks. 

The organisation also encouraged people experiencing mental health challenges to seek appropriate support and professional help. 

Source: GNA