Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity both globally and in Brunei Darussalam. - Supplied
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major health challenge at present.
Diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory illnesses are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity both globally and in Brunei Darussalam, said acting permanent secretary at the Ministry of Health (MoH) Dr Rafidah Gharif during a press conference on Monday (Sept 8).
“They not only affect the health of individuals and families but also place a heavy burden on national healthcare systems and the economy,” she added.
In Brunei Darussalam, she acknowledged that “we have been working tirelessly to address the growing impact of NCDs through a range of strategies – from health promotion and preventive programmes, to clinical management, screening initiatives, and the use of digital health”.
“Yet, we recognise that tackling NCDs cannot be achieved by the health sector alone.
“It requires the whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach. This is where the International NCD Exhibition and Conference plays an important role.”
Themed ‘Bridging Communities and Healthcare’, the conference will serve as a platform to share best practices and innovations in NCD prevention and control and strengthen partnerships across the government, private sector, and the civil society as well as engage the public and communities, ensuring that a collective response is inclusive and sustainable.
“Together, we can foster a culture of health, where every individual takes the responsibility for their well-being, while also having the support of strong health systems and enabling environments,” she added.
Meanwhile, deputy Co-Chairperson of the International NCD Exhibition and Conference Pengiran Dr Siti Nur’ashikin Tengah said, “This first-of-its-kind event responds to the World Health Organization’s call for integrated action on NCDs and mental health, with focus on transforming lives and livelihoods through multi-sectoral collaboration.”
The International NCD Conference and Exhibition, she said, “will serve as a dynamic platform to foster education, dialogue, engagement and action across all layers of society in addressing the NCD threat in Brunei Darussalam”.
The MoH, in collaboration with Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) and Gleneagles JPMC will host Brunei Darussalam’s first International NCD Exhibition and Conference from Oct 8 to 12 at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.
Pengiran Dr Hajah Siti Nur’ashikin said the NCD Exhibition from Oct 8 to 12 is open to the public. It blends educational content with interactive experiences and community showcases.
Visitors can explore themed zones – spanning home, hospital, and community settings – and enjoy talks and booths featuring practical tools, lifestyle solutions, and innovations that support everyday well-being, she said.
“Meanwhile, the Scientific Conference (Oct 10-12) will convene healthcare professionals, industry experts and academics from across the region."
The agenda includes keynote addresses, panel discussions and workshops covering a wide range of topics, including mental health, diabetes, cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, lifestyle medicine, and nutrition.
Meanwhile, the MoH in a statement said NCDs in Brunei Darussalam contribute to around 75 per cent of total mortality, with the four leading causes being cardiovascular diseases (including heart disease and stroke), cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.
Over 70 per cent of the cases are linked to preventable risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, obesity and hypertension. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
