Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has stated society should come together to tackle the growth and spread of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Addressing the function held to inaugurate the national campaign 25 by 25, Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim emphasised the importance of working together as a whole to tackle the spread of NCDs in Maldives. Citing worldwide statistics, Minister Nazim stated 70% of deaths are caused by NCDs, adding that it has been put on agenda to debate in the United Nations General Assembly to be held in September.
Talking about the nationwide campaign, Minister Nazim urged the society to support and cooperate with relevant health authorities to achieve the target. Highlighting energy drinks are banned in schools and other government facilities, the Minister mentioned that cooperation of business firms in Maldives are needed to ban such products completely. The government is investing in healthy policies, creating healthy environments, promoting healthy food and lifestyle and strengthening health services from the primary healthcare level, noted the Minister.
Addressing the ceremony, Representative of World Health Organisation (WHO) to Maldives Dr. Arvind Mathur noted that tackling NCDs is a responsibility of every individual. The country representative underlined the efforts of Maldivian health sector in promoting healthy lifestyles and the elimination of communicable diseases in Maldives. Furthermore, Dr. Mathur called for a comprehensive approach inclusive of all sectors, such as health, finance, transport, education, agriculture, and community planning.
He also highlighted that Maldives has made remarkable strides in controlling NCDs, such as the launch of 25 by 25 campaign, establishment of tobacco cessation clinics, outdoor gyms, increase in taxes of tobacco and energy drinks and banning the sale of energy drinks in schools.
The 25 by 25 nationwide campaign was launched to reach the target of minimising the risk of non-communicable diseases by 25% before 2025.