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The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, has called on the government to concentrate on tackling non-communicable diseases in the country, warning that they would soon surpass communicable diseases if people do not follow preventive measures.
        Mr Kallon made this call in Abuja on Tuesday at the launch of the National Multi-Sectorial Action Plan for Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The event was also used to flag-off the Resolve to Saves Lives Program in Nigeria. The National Multi -Sectorial Action Plan for Non- Communicable Diseases (2019-2025) is a road map for reducing morbidity and mortality of the disease in the country. The plan is a five-year framework instituted as a guideline for cost-effective policies and social interventions to influence behaviour and lifestyle changes and reduce the risk factors for NCDs. The event was organised by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO). Mr Kallon, who was represented by the WHO Officer in Charge, Peter Clement, noted that many NCDs can be prevented but, nfortunately, the diseases continue to rise. He said NCDs, which include cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD), diabetes, and mental ill-health are now leading causes of disabilities and death globally.
        Mr Kallon lamented that the mortality and morbidity of NCDs in low- and middle-income countries are fast outpacing those of communicable diseases. He attributed the increase to smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, environmental pollution, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical exercises among other contributing factors. He said the situation has to change. Non-communicable diseases. The rapid rise in NCDs has become a public health challenge globally, especially for developing countries like Nigeria. This is because it is increasingly putting a strain on the health system. Although there are no official statistics for the burden of NCDs in Nigeria, 2014 WHO global reports on NCDs shows that NCDs was responsible for 38 million (68 per cent) of the world’s 56 million deaths in 2012.