Urgent Call to Address Non-Communicable Disease Crisis
A public health coalition has called on the newly elected lawmakers to make the country’s growing non-communicable disease crisis a top priority. According to local experts, these illnesses continue to pose a serious and worsening threat to the health of Filipinos nationwide.
The Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA) emphasized the need for stronger, evidence-based policies to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which remain the leading cause of death in the country. Sources familiar with the matter explained that tackling this issue requires immediate and decisive action.
Key Policy Measures to Combat NCDs
Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, a former health official and convenor of the alliance, stressed that new leaders must recognize how NCDs heavily burden Filipino families. “We urge them to take decisive action and implement evidence-based solutions to prevent NCDs and save thousands of Filipino lives,” community leaders said.
The alliance highlighted several concrete steps, including the introduction of front-of-pack food warning labels to reduce consumption of sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Additionally, stricter regulations on tobacco and vaping products are crucial, especially to protect the youth from increased risks of lung injury, cancer, and heart disease.
Addressing Inequities in Health Access
The coalition also pointed out that non-communicable diseases disproportionately affect poor and marginalized communities. Social, economic, and environmental factors continue to determine who falls ill and who can access treatment, reports indicate.
To effectively confront the crisis, the HPA identified five priority areas for legislation: strengthening nutrition standards, expanding social safety nets for those with NCDs, investing in healthier environments and cleaner air, integrating NCD control into the Universal Health Care law, and improving early intervention through better primary healthcare access.
Global and Local Perspectives on NCDs
During a recent international hearing, civil society groups urged governments to focus on prevention, early detection, and long-term care for NCDs and mental health as central elements of national development plans. According to the World Health Organization, Filipinos face a 24.5 percent chance of dying from an NCD between ages 30 and 70, which is significantly higher than the Asia-Pacific average of 15.6 percent.
The most common conditions include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory illnesses. The HPA stressed that a comprehensive, multisectoral approach is necessary, involving both government action and community engagement.
Advocates also encouraged lawmakers to align national health policies with global best practices and the Sustainable Development Goals to ensure a healthier future for all Filipinos.
For more news and updates on non-communicable disease crisis, visit Filipinokami.com.