Non-communicable diseases rising

Bangladesh is experiencing a rapid rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as per a World Health Organisation (WHO) report. From what has been reported, NCDs such as cancers, respiratory complications and heart ailments registered a 59% increase over a four year period 2008 – 2012. To put all that into perspective, nearly 1 in 5 deaths were caused by cardiovascular diseases, 1 in 10 people died of cancer and 11 per cent by chronic respiratory diseases. The fast paced life of urban residents has brought about fundamental changes in food habits. With more people consuming “fast” yet unhealthy foods that are rich in unhealthy fats, it is only natural that NCDs have risen so alarmingly. Coupled with a leisurely life devoid of essential exercise and the consumption of harmful energy drinks have all contributed to this phenomenon.

WHO points out that most initiatives taken by authorities to promote a healthier lifestyle including the introduction of more nutritious food intake have largely fallen short of desired goals. The onslaught of quick-to-eat meals, while very convenient for busy working people, fail to provide nutritional value needed for the average adult. The overall lack of appropriate health education is another area that has contributed to the general lack of awareness of people on what is good food and what is not. The WHO recommends a reduction in salt consumption, replacing trans fats with polyunsaturated fats, promotion of breastfeeding, early detection and treatment of high blood pressure and periodic screening for cervical cancers as some of the means to reduce NDCs.