Rise in NCDs, cause for concern - ministry secretary

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Sixty five percent of deaths in Sri Lanka are due to Non - Communicable Diseases (NCDs) out of which 56 percent deaths are due to cardio-vascular diseases and injuries. Lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet, smoking and alcohol are the causes for NCDs, Health Ministry Additional Secretary Dr Palitha Maheepala said.

He said 10.6 percent of the total population of Sri Lanka smoke, while 26 percent of the total population does not exercise.

Dr Maheepala said 39.2 percent of Sri Lankans suffer from high blood pressure, 8.8 percent have high blood glucose level and 21.9 percent are obese.

He said the rapid increase in NCDs is one of the major health problems in the country.

"The government allocated Rs 300 million this year to implement programmes to prevent and control NCDs. Rs. 185 million has already been spent on such programmes," he said.

"The Health Ministry selected two youth leaders from each district and educated them on preventing and controlling NCDs," Dr Mahipala said.

WHO statistics reveal that 65 percent of deaths in the world are due to chronic NCDs such as heart diseases, stroke, cancer, diabetes and respiratory diseases. Over 36 million die from NCDs worldwide and nine million die before they are 60.