Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) – A ticking time bomb
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) present a growing threat to the health of millions of people across the globe, and more broadly to development goals and economic growth. Close to two-thirds of all global deaths are due to NCDs, primarily cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes.
A new report from the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia and the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that non-communicable (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer, cost the Malaysian economy upwards of RM8.91 billion, equivalent to about 0.65% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The economic cost was estimated from the productivity losses due to absenteeism, presenteeism in the workplace and the premature death of working age population in Malaysia.
According to the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey, two thirds of the Malaysian population, have a least one of three non-communicable diseases (NCDs), namely diabetes, hypertension or hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels). More than a quarter have at least two NCDs and almost 10 percent have all three. “This NCD is like a ‘ticking time bomb’; we know it exists but one day, it will explode. And when it explodes, it’s too late, because we have to take care and treat.“
There is ample scientific evidence to support the fact that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) can be prevented. Let’s us learn from our public health expert Dr. Wan Kim Sui MD, MPH, DRPH to share with us on how to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The sharing will take place on 18th June 2022, 10.00am (Saturday) via Zoom Meeting. The free online session is open to all MRCS members and school teachers which will be moderated by Mr. Eric Ng Kah Boon, Assistant Director of Training, Malaysian Red Crescent Society Penang Chapter.