NCD's a silent killer - Minister

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) are a silent killer, said Health Minister Maitripala Sirisena.

Addressing the first Global Ministerial Conference on Healthy Lifestyles and Non communicable Diseases in Moscow, Russia, on April 28 and 29 Minister Sirisena pointed out that NCDs are the major cause of death and disability worldwide.

"Education and knowledge is a major precondition for the prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD's). As policy makers in Sri Lanka, we have taken several measures in this regard and obtained WHO assistance," Health Minister said. Around 140 Health Ministers, representatives of UN agencies and health officials of all countries participated in the conference.

Minister Sirisena thanked the Russian federation and the WHO for jointly organizing the First Global Ministerial Conference on Healthy Lifestyles and Non-communicable Disease Control.

All countries will adopt the Moscow Declaration at the conclusion of the conference which will serve as a basis and platform to be considered for the high level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases to be held in September 2011, he said.

Sri Lanka is unique in providing free education and healthcare to all people. Education and knowledge is a major precondition for the prevention of non-communicable diseases.

The Health Ministry commenced a primary healthcare unit in the ministry to prevent NCDs.

Arrangements were made to restrict the sale of tobacco and tobacco based products by introducing high taxes and prohibition of smoking in public places, the Minister said.

Restrictions were introduced on the sale of alcohol, he added.