Photo: AFP Relaxnews
At a time when the world is focused on the Covid-19 pandemic, we must remind ourselves of the other pandemic that is destroying the lives and livelihoods of people worldwide. Even without the impact of Covid-19, 15 million people die prematurely from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) between the ages of 30 and 69 every year. And 85% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
NCDs are not passed from person to person and progress slowly over time. Each year, they are responsible for more than two-thirds of all deaths worldwide. In 2016, 74% of all deaths – 154,000 – in Malaysia were due to NCDs. Key NCDs such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory illness, cancers and mental illness can make people more vulnerable to the effects of Covid-19.
Dying prematurely from NCDs has tragic effects on communities, ranging from the profound emotional and financial burden on families to the loss of productivity for the nation.
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
