The issue of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) was addressed in a major way during the Budget 2023 presentation.
Importantly, it was announced that expanded efforts on public communication and education on lifestyle diseases will be a focus in 2023.
That being said, it was also announced the Lusignan Diabetic Clinic has been completed and will be operationalised in the first quarter of this year. This will see a much-needed slew of services including cardiovascular screening; diabetic wound care; eye screening and x-ray, laboratory and rehabilitative services.
Quite often, we do not consider mental health when the issue of non-communicable chronic diseases is discussed. However, it is excellent that Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh in his Budget presentation included this ‘taboo’ disease in his presentation on NCDs.
According to the budget presentation, more than $900 million is allocated to address non-communicable diseases.
Specifically on the issue of mental health, Dr Singh said: “…in the area of mental health, Government has successfully passed two pieces of important legislation – the Suicide Prevention Act 2022 and the Mental Health Protection and Promotion Act 2022. Works advanced on the expansion of the mental health ward at GPHC.”
Additionally, a total of $62.4 million has been budgeted for rehabilitation works at the National Psychiatric Hospital.
“Last year, 54 persons were trained across the 10 regions in the areas of addiction and rehabilitation and, in 2023, will be placed to facilitate drug treatment and rehabilitation clinics.”
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, poor lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, alcohol abuse, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity had resulted in large numbers of people falling sick and dying.
It is also believed that around 40 per cent of Guyanese are either overweight or obese, and of that number, the majority are women.
Having experienced COVID and the impact it has had on the world, one of the important factors that were brought to the fore is the fact that people with underlying health conditions such as NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer, had a higher risk of severe COVID-19, and many died from COVID-19. Risk factors for NCDs can make people more vulnerable to becoming severely ill. For example, smokers may have reduced lung capacity, which would greatly increase risk of serious illness.
Health experts say that non-communicable chronic diseases result largely from bad food choices and low levels of physical activity. Reducing the risk of developing chronic illnesses, including Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and various cancers is associated with living a healthy lifestyle, which includes such factors as non-smoking, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, moderate alcohol intake, and a sense of mental well-being.
For example, evidence suggests that half of all cancers could be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle.
Further, NCDs come at a high cost to individuals and nation states in terms of human suffering, expensive treatment, and loss of production.
What is noteworthy is the realisation that most cases of chronic NCDs are avoidable, and it is within our individual power to prevent these diseases from affecting our lives.
So, how do we make the breakthrough when it comes to getting our citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles, considering the fact that some persons still operate with a high degree of ignorance?
To begin with, we believe that there is need for greater awareness and knowledge in the society about the dangers of chronic illnesses. On this basis, we urge that there be continuous public education and awareness campaigns across the country, to address various health issues.
Research has shown that the numerous media campaigns on HIV/AIDS prevention and care, stigma and discrimination have impacted positively on attitudes and lifestyle changes; and messages in a similar fashion should be created towards addressing NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes, or dealing with overweightness and obesity.
The Government, even though it must take the lead as it relates to policy drafting and implementation, etc, cannot do it alone. The entire society must be actively involved.
Therefore, we commend and support the Finance Minister for announcing that expanded efforts on public communication and education on lifestyle diseases will be a focus in 2023.
Individual power to prevent
The issue of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) was addressed in a major way during the Budget 2023 presentation.
Importantly, it was announced that expanded efforts on public communication and education on lifestyle diseases will be a focus in 2023.
That being said, it was also announced the Lusignan Diabetic Clinic has been completed and will be operationalised in the first quarter of this year. This will see a much-needed slew of services including cardiovascular screening; diabetic wound care; eye screening and x-ray, laboratory and rehabilitative services.
Quite often, we do not consider mental health when the issue of non-communicable chronic diseases is discussed. However, it is excellent that Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh in his Budget presentation included this ‘taboo’ disease in his presentation on NCDs.
According to the budget presentation, more than $900 million is allocated to address non-communicable diseases.
Specifically on the issue of mental health, Dr Singh said: “…in the area of mental health, Government has successfully passed two pieces of important legislation – the Suicide Prevention Act 2022 and the Mental Health Protection and Promotion Act 2022. Works advanced on the expansion of the mental health ward at GPHC.”
Additionally, a total of $62.4 million has been budgeted for rehabilitation works at the National Psychiatric Hospital.
“Last year, 54 persons were trained across the 10 regions in the areas of addiction and rehabilitation and, in 2023, will be placed to facilitate drug treatment and rehabilitation clinics.”
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, poor lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, alcohol abuse, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity had resulted in large numbers of people falling sick and dying.
It is also believed that around 40 per cent of Guyanese are either overweight or obese, and of that number, the majority are women.
Having experienced COVID and the impact it has had on the world, one of the important factors that were brought to the fore is the fact that people with underlying health conditions such as NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer, had a higher risk of severe COVID-19, and many died from COVID-19. Risk factors for NCDs can make people more vulnerable to becoming severely ill. For example, smokers may have reduced lung capacity, which would greatly increase risk of serious illness.
Health experts say that non-communicable chronic diseases result largely from bad food choices and low levels of physical activity. Reducing the risk of developing chronic illnesses, including Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and various cancers is associated with living a healthy lifestyle, which includes such factors as non-smoking, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, moderate alcohol intake, and a sense of mental well-being.
For example, evidence suggests that half of all cancers could be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle.
Further, NCDs come at a high cost to individuals and nation states in terms of human suffering, expensive treatment, and loss of production.
What is noteworthy is the realisation that most cases of chronic NCDs are avoidable, and it is within our individual power to prevent these diseases from affecting our lives.
So, how do we make the breakthrough when it comes to getting our citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles, considering the fact that some persons still operate with a high degree of ignorance?
To begin with, we believe that there is need for greater awareness and knowledge in the society about the dangers of chronic illnesses. On this basis, we urge that there be continuous public education and awareness campaigns across the country, to address various health issues.
Research has shown that the numerous media campaigns on HIV/AIDS prevention and care, stigma and discrimination have impacted positively on attitudes and lifestyle changes; and messages in a similar fashion should be created towards addressing NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes, or dealing with overweightness and obesity.
The Government, even though it must take the lead as it relates to policy drafting and implementation, etc, cannot do it alone. The entire society must be actively involved.
Therefore, we commend and support the Finance Minister for announcing that expanded efforts on public communication and education on lifestyle diseases will be a focus in 2023.
