Engaging Communities And Progress In The Fight Against Non-Communicable Diseases

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) also referred to as chronic diseases, are now the leading cause of mortality globally as they account for over 71% of all deaths each year. Every year, more than 15 million people between the age 30 and 69 years die from these NCDs. Asides the high mortality rates caused by NCDs, they are also causing negative socio-economic impacts on individuals and the economy as a whole. The cost of treating and managing some of these NCDs has caused catastrophic expenditures on some families and drained their resources especially in low-income countries where there is hardly health insurance.

To lessen the impact of NCD on the society, a comprehensive approach is needed including all sectors as well engaging communities. Most NCDs are caused by risk factors which in most cases are modifiable.  Therefore, communities need to be informed on appropriate information on reducing the risk of NCDs and accordingly should be empowered to take the right lifestyle choices. The theme for this year’s celebration is People, Participation and Progress. The objective is to celebrate the power and potential of communities to co-create healthier societies. The question is, who has to take the responsibility to engage communities to create healthier communities? How should it be done and at what level should the communities be involved? It is based on this international fight against NCDs that the Health Promotion Alliance Cameroon -as a network member of NCD Alliance is joining voices in organizing this webinar on engaging communities in the fight against NCDs.