Non-communicable diseases leading cause of deaths in Vietnam

A United Nations joint mission has found that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), principally cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, cause 73% of all deaths in Vietnam.

The group said NCDs cause more than 379,000 deaths each year in the country, with 43% accounting for premature deaths.

Over one third of deaths in Vietnam are caused by cardiovascular diseases.

 

The UN noted that Vietnam has seen outstanding economic development in recent decades and is facing the inevitable scourge of diseases driven by globalisation, urbanisation and ageing.

 

It found that tobacco use among men stands at 45% and that 44% of men drink excessively while obesity has increased from 12% to 16% over the past 5 years.

 

On average, the population of Vietnam is consuming twice the WHO recommended level of salt, resulting in an increased number of cases of hypertension; according to reports now one in five adults has raised blood pressure.

 

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said the prevention and control of the NCD epidemic requires all parts of the government and development partners to work together.

 

The joint mission said it saw evidence of the country’s commitment to tackling NCDs as well as examples of multisectoral action, particularly in the area of tobacco control to reduce smoking among men in urban areas.

 

Increasing the levels of excise tax on tobacco to at least 70% of the retail price and fully enforcing the tobacco law are cost-effective and feasible, said Dr Nick Banatvala, a senior adviser from WHO Geneva.

 

He added that they would save thousands of lives and significantly reduce healthcare costs over the next few years if fully implemented.

 

(Source: NDO)