November 14th marked World Diabetes Day, a day created by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to the alarming health threats posed by rapidly increasing rates of diabetes globally. Diabetes can be fatal and can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. From 1980 to 2014, the number … Read More
Insights: The Double (and Deadly) Burden of Malnutrition
The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been increasing in recent years to the point that it now constitutes the leading cause of death worldwide. In response, the Secretary General of the United Nations will convene a third high-level meeting on NCDs at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this September. The meeting will focus on prevention and control of … Read More
Opinion: A Whole-of-Government, Whole-of Society Approach Needed to Tackle NCDs
The power of partnerships in promoting a virtuous circle of growth and health By Henry Ashworth Preparations continue for a High-Level Meeting at the United Nations in September, which will focus on action needed to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The UN has rightly called for a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach to tackling NCDs. All of us can – and should – … Read More
The Heavy Burden of Obesity in Africa
Weight gain has been accelerating across the globe due to a myriad of factors including a growing economy, fast food expansion and a shift towards more sedentary living. Worldwide, 39% of adults were overweight and 13% were obese in 2016. Since obesity rates are not disbursed equally throughout the world, some countries (like the U.S.) are noted for carrying more … Read More
Strategy and partnerships are needed to gain ground on NCDs
A recent article published by the Lancet addresses the reasons behind a lack of results in non-communicable disease (NCD) reduction despite awareness and appetite for change, arguing that without a clear strategy, NCDs will persist and become even more common throughout the world. NCDs create a heavy economic burden and have a notorious reputation of furthering poverty due to high … Read More