Two-thirds of annual deaths due to NCDS in region: WHO
In the Eastern Mediterranean region, two-thirds of annual deaths are attributed to noncommunicable diseases (NCDS). The likelihood of premature death due to NCDS ranges from 17.8% in nonconflict affected to 25.1% in conflict affected areas.
Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, made the remarks at a global high-level technical meeting on NCDS in humanitarian settings, titled ‘Building resilient health systems, leaving no one behind’ on Tuesday in Copenhagen, Denmark.
“The Eastern Mediterranean region is home to 745mn people. Of those, 140mn require humanitarian assistance. That is almost one in five persons. The region is the source of 58% of the world’s refugees and has 33.7mn people who have been forcibly displaced. Among its 22 countries and territories, 13 are directly or indirectly affected by conflict. Nine are classified by the World Bank as ‘fragile or conflict affected situations’,” she informed.
She said the statistics were alarming. In the Eastern Mediterranean region, cases of heart attack, stroke and asthma might double or even triple in frequency immediately after a disaster.
“Among the most pressing health needs during a crisis is ensuring the continuity of NCD services, especially for chronic diseases, such as renal dialysis, cancer treatment, insulin availability for diabetics and management of cardiovascular diseases along with mental health conditions and substance use.”
The conflict in the Gaza Strip stands as one of the most challenging crises in the region's modern history, she added. “The conflict has depleted an already under resourced health system. Thousands were killed or injured, and over 1.6mn displaced, including 350,000 people living with chronic conditions. Only through peace and stability can Gaza hope to rebuild its health infrastructure and provide essential medical services to its vulnerable population.”
Before the war, Sudan was undergoing robust health system reform. However, in its tenth month of conflict, the health system is reaching a collapsing point where 7mn people remain displaced and 1.7mn seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. The conflict has led to over 13,000 deaths and 26,000 injuries.