BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Ministry of Health (MoH) has now officially recognised obesity as one of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Brunei Darussalam.
This step is crucial because obesity can no longer be seen merely as a lifestyle issue.
It is a major risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke and several types of cancer, all of which place significant pressure on both public health and the national budget.
This was announced by Minister of Health Datuk Seri Setia Dr Mohd Isham Jaafar in his remark during the Policy Debate on Supply Bill and Motion for the Development Fund on the sixth day of the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council on Tuesday (March 17).
From a fiscal perspective, he revealed, “Studies show that the economic burden of obesity was estimated at USD132 million in 2019, which is about one per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP), and is projected to increase to 2.2 per cent of GDP by 2035 if not addressed more effectively.
“This means that if early intervention is not strengthened, the country will continue to bear larger costs in the form of diabetes treatment, heart diseases, strokes, kidney failure, loss of productivity, and various other preventable complications.”
In addition to establishing the Obesity Task Force in 2024, he said, “The MoH has taken a historic step in strengthening the national response to obesity by becoming the first WHO member state in the world to pioneer the new WHO Chronic Obesity Care Course through the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach.
Obesity management is currently being strengthened and will continue to be structured in a more evidence-based manner, aligned with the current needs of the healthcare system.” - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
