Tighten regulations to reduce non-communicable diseases - WAHO

Participants in a West African Health Organisation (WAHO) regional conference on the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have called on governments of member countries to tighten regulations on tobacco, alcohol, food and sweetened drinks to accelerate efforts towards the reduction of the diseases.

This is because research conducted in the region indicated that the burden of NCDs had reached epidemic levels, claiming more than 1.2 million lives annually, with majority of the cases being preventable.

At the meeting, it was also established that the high burden of NCDs was, particularly, as a result of abuse of alcohol, tobacco and sweetened drinks, which were poorly regulated in terms of sale, use and advertisements.

Event

The three-day conference which has since ended was on the theme: “Towards strengthening regional capacity in regulation for improved nutrition and health in West Africa.”

Participants included policy makers, public health practitioners, economists, lawyers, politicians, scientists and pharmacists. The rest were agriculturists, sociologists, psychologists, journalists, customs officials, trade and tax experts.

The objective of the workshop was to review the current burden of NCDs in the region and proffer pragmatic solutions.

It was also to assess the capacities, practices and challenges in member countries to inform regional and national interventions.

Presenting the conclusions and recommendations of the meeting in Accra yesterday, a Professional Officer in charge of Non-Epidemics and Neglected Tropical Diseases at WAHO, Dr William Bosu, said although the organisation was promoting adherence to healthy lifestyles in the region, it also recognised the critical role the regulation of tobacco, alcohol and sweetened drinks, among other products, could play in the fight against NCDs.

Implementation

Mr Bosu said the conference also called on governments of member countries to implement or enhance the implementation of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) action plan for NCDs 2013 to 2030 christened, “NCD best buy” to help deal adequately with the diseases in the region.

WHO’s best buy is the central plank of the global strategy to combat NCDs and is a cluster of highly cost-effective 24 interventions.

The interventions include tobacco taxation, salt reduction and cervical screening.

Other recommendations made by the conference to boost the fight against NCDs included increase in public education on the diseases and stakeholder responsibilities; creation of integrated national plans on regulations with assistance from regional institutions and more research into NCDs.

Participants also called for the implementation of strategies that protect the youth and children from exposure to harmful information on alcohol, tobacco and other harmful products and lifestyles.

“It is estimated that the ECOWAS region can save 250,000 lives by implementing these best buys,” he added.

Mr Bonsu further asks member countries to explore the potential of using herbal medication in the management of NCDs, while ensuring effective regulations.

He mentioned a weak legal framework and the inability to enforce existing laws as some of the challenges that had led to the use and abuse of those harmful products.

On Ghana’s situation, Dr Bosu said obesity and overweight conditions were major risk factors to NCDs in the country.

Writer’s email: Doreen.andoh@graphic.com.gh