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Global network launched to combat non-communicable diseases
The World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva on Wednesday launched a global network to scale up action to combat non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Ala Alwan, WHO
Dr. Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General for Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health at WHO says these diseases cause an enormous amount of suffering, disabilities and deaths.
Dr. Ala Alwan"Heart diseases, strokes, cancers, diabetes and chronic lung diseases -- these are now responsible for 60 percent of all deaths globally. Together with injuries they are responsible for 70 percent of all global deaths."
WHO estimates that over the next ten years, there will be an increase of 17% in the number of deaths from non-communicable diseases, but in developing countries, the increase will be up to 27%.
The new network of leading organizations and experts from around the world aims to strengthen global partnerships and help governments plan and implement measures to reduce the burden of these diseases, such as tobacco control, healthy diets and physical activity.
For UN Radio, I'm Bissera Kostova.
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