CNCDs account for more than half of Jamaica deaths

PAHO Advisor for disease and control, Dr Rwang Abwoba, said there has been a steady increase in these illnesses and they’re resulting in many deaths.(File photo)

KINGSTON, Jamaica, November 20, 2009 – Chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) are responsible for more than half of the deaths in Jamaica, a Pa American Health Organisation (PAHO) official has revealed.

PAHO Advisor for disease and control, Dr Rwang Abwoba, said there has been a steady increase in these illnesses and they’re resulting in many deaths.

"It is not an exaggeration when we say non communicable diseases have reached epidemic proportions in Jamaica. In fact, a recent survey conducted on health and lifestyles in 2008, has showed that over the period 2000 and 2008, the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension have increased," Dr Abwoba said.

She spoke about the worrying situation at a chronic disease workshop for churches and faith-based organisations yesterday.

During that event Medical Epidemiologist in the country’s Ministry of Health, Dr Tamu Davidson Sadler, said that in addition to taking lives, CNCDs are taking a toll on the country's limited health resources and causing a loss of productive hours.

"It is not only a cost to us in terms of the health infrastructure, but 10 per cent productivity loss is due to chronic diseases. Most of the deaths are (persons) under 70 years of age," she said.

"Even more devastating is when you look at some of the figures; 300 to 900 persons may require renal dialysis and the life expectancy for persons on renal dialysis is significantly shortened.”

The two-day workshop, which ends today, seeks to develop a guide for faith-based organisations in promoting healthy lifestyles, as part of the national effort to control and prevent chronic conditions.