9 of 10 deaths in Western Pacific region caused by NCDs — WHO

Nearly 9 out of 10 recorded deaths in the Western Pacific, which the Philippines is a part of, are due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

During the press conference of the WHO Regional Committee held Thursday in Manila, WHO said among the major risk factors for NCDs are alcohol and tobacco use. The Western Pacific region encompasses 37 countries and territories that includes Japan, South Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.

"There are many causing the NCDs, and two major things are alcohol consumption and second is tobacco," said Dr. Kidong Park, Director of Data, Strategy, and Innovation at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office.

"In alcohol consumption, there is about 40% from 2000 and 2015, and after that, we see a decrease; however, there's a long way to go. And then tobacco consumption, we see a decrease, but the rate is higher than the global average. So, we need to decrease alcohol consumption, and we need (to) quit tobacco consumption. And that will reflect in the reduction in the premature mortality due to NCDs," Park noted.

The WHO study showed that adults who are smoking was at 28% in 2000 and decreased to 22.5% in 2022, with both figures above the global average of 20.9%.

Dr. Hiromasa Okayasu, WHO Director of the Division of Healthy Environments and Populations, said the organization developed a document that provides policymakers with a list of 'best buys' and other recommended interventions to address NCDs.

He said WHO is also alarmed by the increase in the use of e-cigarettes.

"A few recommended actions (to prevent tobacco use) include such as increasing the taxes and then restricting the marketing."

"We are also really concerned about the e-cigarette. In some countries, this is not considered a tobacco product or, even regulation is quite loose. We are really encouraging our member states to be aware of the potential harm of these new products and then start including them in a regulation or ban it," he added.

In May 2024, the Department of Health said tobacco use declined in the Philippines in the last 10 years but e-cigarette and vape usage has increased, particularly among the youth in 13 - 15 years old age group.

Lifestyle and lack of physical activity also have a lot to do with the increase in NCDs, along with the intake of not just processed but ultra-processed food, according to WHO.

Meanwhile, WHO representatives also noted the Western Pacific Region's current 'highest life expectancy' decreased by 0.07 years from 2020 to 2021. This is lower compared to the global average decline of 1.7 years.

WHO added other factors to be considered are mental health issues, with alarmingly 'high suicide rates' in some countries of the region. It is said that this is influenced by factors such as stigma, limited access to mental health services, and socioeconomic challenges.

The health agency added that climate and environment-related health concerns are yet another major challenge; while air pollution in urban areas of the region was found to have decreased from 2010 to 2019, air quality levels are still much worse than the WHO-recommended levels.

"Populations living in urban areas are, therefore, continuing to breathe unhealthy air," the organization added.

During the conference, WHO and partner agencies and governments ensured their commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

"We must work together to ensure that no one is left behind as we weave a healthier future," said Dr. Saia Ma'u Piukala of Tonga, WHO Regional Director. —RF, GMA Integrated News