Non-communicable diseases cause the most deaths in the WHO European region and in the Republic of Moldova. Nine out of ten Moldovans die from non-communicable diseases. From 5 to 11 September 2022, the Global Week of Action for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) takes place, with the theme “Invest to Protect”. At the national level, several actions will be organized to mobilize the community. Also, to raise awareness of the society regarding the burden of non-communicable diseases.
Cardiovascular diseases, strokes, hypertension, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, mental and neurological diseases, chronic kidney diseases and others are only a part of NCDs. Globally, eight out of ten deaths (78%) are caused by NCDs. In the Republic of Moldova, nine deaths out of ten (89%) are caused by NCDs.
If no remedial actions are taken, by 2030, deaths are expected to rise to 53 million from the current 41 million annual deaths.
Our country ranks among the countries with the highest NCD mortality rate in the WHO European region, the most affected globally by NCDs (86% of deaths).
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In 2021, in our country, NCD prevails in the structure of recorded mortality. Most deaths are caused by:
- diseases of the circulatory system (56.5%),
- cancers (14.8%),
- chronic diseases of the digestive system (7.7%),
- chronic diseases of the respiratory system (4.0%),
- diabetes (1.2%).
COVID-19 has further highlighted the importance of investing in the prevention and treatment of NCDs, considering that more than 90% of people who died from SARS-CoV-2 infection had one or more chronic diseases. Investing in NCDs is therefore an investment in epidemic preparedness and response capacity and health security, respectively.
Millions of lives can be saved by reducing risk factors and creating health-promoting environments.