What are Non communicable diseases?
Description
Description: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) pose a significant health challenge worldwide, affecting millions of people and straining healthcare systems. India has taken bold steps to address this growing concern, implementing various measures to prevent and control NCDs. From the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) to promoting an active lifestyle through Yoga, India's multifaceted approach demonstrates its commitment to improving public health and reducing the burden of chronic diseases. This article explores India's pioneering efforts and targets in battling NCDs, highlighting how the country leads the charge in combating these conditions and creating a healthier future for its citizens.
Combating Non-Communicable Diseases: India's Proactive Initiatives and Successes
About Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
• NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behaviours factors.
• NCDs are not transmitted from person to person. These diseases persist for a long time and are generally slow to progress.
• NCDs often affect people during their most productive years. When individuals with NCDs face tremendous healthcare costs and a restricted ability to work, households struggle with increased financial risk.
• Covid-19 highlighted the links between NCDs and infectious disease, with serious impacts on NCD care. In the early months of the pandemic, 75 percent of countries reported disruption to essential NCD services.
Measures taken by India to prevent NCDs
• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).
• Preventive aspect of NCDs is strengthened under Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Ayushman Bharat Health Wellness Centre scheme.
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned sales and advertisements of junk foods in school canteens and within 50 metres around school campuses.
• FSSAI has launched ‘Eat Right India’ movement to improve public health and combat negative nutritional trends to fight lifestyle diseases. It also launched a mass media campaign ‘Heart Attack Rewind’ for the elimination of industrially produced trans-fat in the food supply.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana helps to reduce indoor air pollution.
• In response to WHO’s Global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013-2020, India is the first country to develop specific national targets to reduce number of global premature deaths from NCDs by 25% by 2025.
• Promotion of an active life through activities like Yoga which can address the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
