Prof. Robert Kalyesubula Chair, Dept of Physiology Makerere University; Adjunct Ass. Clinical Prof. Yale School of Medicine, USA. Consultant Nephrologist; CKD/NCD Principal Inves gator and Senior Scien st at MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Research Unit
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Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.
- Epictetus
Non-communicablediseases(NCDs)areamajorglobalhealthchallenge,accountingfor74%of
deathsworldwide.Unlikeinfectiousdiseases,NCDsarenottransmittedfrompersontoperson andareoftenlinkedtounhealthybehaviors.Cardiovasculardiseases,cancers,diabetes,and chronicrespiratorydiseasesarethemostcommontypes,makingupovertwo-thirdsofNCD-related deaths.
ThegoodnewsisthatmanyNCDsarepreventable1.Byfocusingonriskfactorsliketobaccouse, unhealthydiets,physicalinactivity,andharmfulalcoholconsumption,upto80%ofheartdiseases, strokes,type2diabetes,andoverathirdofcancerscouldbeavoided.Improvingairqualityisalsoa keyfactorinprevention.
AddressingNCDsrequiresacomprehensiveapproach.Thisincludespromotinghealthylifestyles throughcommunityprogramsandensuringaccesstoqualityhealthcareservices.Earlydetection, screening,andconsistenttreatmentarealsocritical.Low-andmiddle-incomecountriesfacesignificant challengesinmanagingNCDsduetolimitedresourcesandhealthcareaccess.Innovativestrategieslike "task-shifting,"wherecommunityhealthworkerstakeonsomeresponsibilitiestraditionallyheldby doctors,canhelptoextendhealthcarereach.
OrganizationssuchastheWorldHealthOrganization(WHO)andtheInternationalFederationofRed CrossandRedCrescentSocieties(IFRC)areworkinggloballytocombatNCDsthroughprevention, research,andadvocacy A"wholeofsociety"approach,whichincludesinvolvementfromcivil organizationsandeventheprivatesector,isneededforsuccess4.Byreducingriskfactorsand improvinghealthcaresystems,itispossibletodecreasetheimpactofNCDsandpromotehealthier livesworldwide.
Drivenbyadeep-seatedcommitmenttoservingthoseinneed,individualslikeRobertKalyesubula, featuredin Insights Success' "MostAdmiredPersonalitytoWatchin2025,"embodythespirit requiredtocombattheglobalburdenofNCDs.Kal'sjourney,risingfromhumblebeginnings, exemplifieshowdedicationandperseverancecannotonlyshapeone'sdestinybutalsopavetheway forcountlessothersfacingsimilarstruggles.Hisworkresonatesfarbeyondhisimmediate surroundings,instillinghopeandresilienceinthefaceofadversity,andhighlightsthe"wholeof society"approachneededtoreducetheimpactofNCDsandpromotehealthierlivesworldwide.
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Robert Kalyesubula
Leading Solutions for Non-Communicable Diseases
How Lifestyle Changes Can Prevent Non-Communicable Diseases
Why Understanding Non-Communicable Diseases is Crucial for Global Health
Prof. Robert Kalyesubula
Chair, Dept of Physiology Makerere University; Adjunct Ass. Clinical Prof. Yale School of Medicine, USA. Consultant Nephrologist; CKD/NCD Principal Investigator and Senior Scientist at MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Research Unit
I have excelled in both professional and personal realms, earning recogni on as a dis nguished academic, researcher, and clinician in global health.
Ayoungchildgrowingupinaruralvillage,
surroundedbylimitedresourcesandoverwhelming challenges,neverknewtheycouldbecomea catalystforchangeinthehealthcarecommunity.Risen fromhumblebeginnings,drivenbyadedicationtoserving thoseinneed,RobertKalyesubula'seachsteptakenonhis pathisnotonlyshapinghisdestinybutalsoopeningdoors forcountlessotherswhosharesimilarstruggles.Hiswork resonatesfarbeyondhissurroundings,instillinghopeand resilienceinthefaceofadversity
Prof.RobertKalyesubulaembodiesthisspiritof transformationinhealthcare.BorninNakasekeinUganda, hecametobeoneofthetopnephrologistsacrossAfrica andoneofthemostpowerfulvoicesadvocatingforkidney health.HisacademicjourneybeganatMakerereUniversity; heeasilyexcelledinmedicineagainstalloddsofhis rearing.
Today,hestandsasnotjustagreatNephrologist,butthe FounderofanorganizationknownasACCESS:The AfricanCommunityCenterforSocialSustainability, focusingonimprovinghealthoutcomesandeducationfor underprivilegedgroupsinsociety.
HehaspioneeredinitiativesinACCESStocombatnoncommunicablediseasesandenhanceaccesstohealthcarein underservedcommunities.Hisworkexemplifieshowone individual'sdedicationcanleadtosystemicchange, inspiringfuturegenerationstopursuehealthequityand socialjusticeintheircommunities.
Let’s know more about his journey:
TheInspiringJourney
ProfessorKalyesubulagrewupinthemodestsettingsof ruralUganda,wherehisearlyyearswereshapedby resilienceandthewilltoriseabovechallenging circumstances.Bornintoahumblefamily,hefacedthe strugglesoflimitedresourcesbutexcelledacademically, eventuallyearningaplaceatMakerereUniversityfor medicalschool.
Asanephrologist,researcher,andacademic,hiscareerhas beenmarkedbybothachievementsandchallenges.After earninghismedicaldegree,hepursuedspecializedtraining innephrologyandbecameadistinguishedexpertinkidney health.Hisacademicjourneysawhimcollaborateon
groundbreakingresearchprojectsandcontributetothe globalunderstandingofnon-communicablediseases, particularlyinlow-resourcesettings.
Despitehissuccess,Prof.Kalyesubulafacedchallenges, includingtheemotionaltollofworkinginenvironments withlimitedresourcesandseeingpatientsstrugglewith accesstohealthcare.However,thesechallengesfueledhis determinationtodrivechange.Hisexperiencesledhimto establishACCESS,aplatformaimedatimprovingkidney healthandpreventingnon-communicablediseasesacross Africa.
Hispersonalandprofessionallifereflectsadeep commitmenttoservice,academicexcellence,and communityimpact.Hecontinuestoinspireasaleaderin medicineandavoiceforequitablehealthcareaccess.
My personal and professional life reflects a deep commitment to service, academic excellence, and community impact.
ThejourneytotransforminghealthcarethroughACCESS andrelatedinitiativesbeganwithanunwaveringpassionfor improvingthelivesofpeoplesufferingfromkidneydisease andothernon-communicablediseasesinAfrica.While workingasanephrologist,Prof.Kalyesubulaencountered numerouspatientswhofacedsignificantbarriersto healthcare,includinglate-stagekidneydiseasediagnoses andthehighcostsofdialysis.
Realizingtheurgentneedforpreventivemeasures,he foundedACCESS(AfricanCommunityCenterforSocial Sustainability),anon-profitorganizationdedicatedto reducingtheburdenofnon-communicablediseasesand otherpreventableillnessesinAfrica.Theideawasto
addresshealthcaregapsthroughacommunity-centred approach,focusingoneducation,earlydetection,and treatment.ACCESShassinceexpandedtoinclude initiativesinmaternalhealth,childeducation,capacity buildingforhealthcareworkers,youtheducation,economic empowerment,andenvironmentalsafeguarding.
Prof.Kalyesubulaalsoauthoredover140peer-reviewed publicationsaddressingkeyhealthcarechallengesinAfrica andotherLow-andmiddle-incomecountries.Eachofthe publicationscomesfromgroundedresearchthataddresses healthandwealthissuesholistically.Hiswritingshave inspiredcountlessreaderstorethinkapproachesto healthcare,research,andequity
Thismultifacetedapproachtohealthcare—combining clinicalexpertise,education,andadvocacy—haspositioned Prof.Robertasathoughtleaderinglobalhealthanda championforsustainablechange.
Hisflagshipinitiative,theUgandaKidneyFoundation, emergedfromavisiontoprovidespecializedcarefor kidneydiseases,whichwerepoorlyunderstoodand managedinUganda.Throughthisfoundation,hehas championedawarenesscampaigns,builtcapacityamong healthcareworkers,andestablishedaccesstodiagnosticand treatmentfacilitiesforunderservedcommunities.
Balancingthedemandsofadynamiccareerwithapersonal lifeisachallengeProf.Kalyesubulaapproacheswith intentionandstructure.Asanephrologist,professor,head ofthedepartmentofphysiologyatMakerereCollegeof HealthSciences,andfounderofACCESS,hejuggles multipleresponsibilitieswhileensuringthathispersonal lifeandwell-beingarenotneglected.
Centraltohisbalanceishisbeliefinpurpose-drivenwork. Byaligninghiscareergoalswithhisvalues—compassion, resilience,andservice—hefindsfulfillmentinbothareas.
Hisfamilyandclosefriendsplayavitalroleingrounding him,providingasupportsystemthatallowshimtonavigate professionalchallengeseffectively.Hiswife-Estherloy Katalitowhomhehasbeenmarriedfor17yearswiththree childrenalongwithotherfamilymembersandfriendsisa constantreminderofhowlifeneedstobelived.
TimemanagementisaskillProf.Kalyesubulahasrefined overtheyears.Heprioritizeshiscommitments,allocating dedicatedtimeforwork,family,andpersonalrejuvenation.
Whenever there is an opportunity to advance your career and develop new skills take it with both hands and ensure that you keep learning and improving your knowledge and skill set.
Heemphasizestheimportanceofdelegation,empowering histeamatACCESSandinacademiatotakeownershipof theirroles,allowinghimtofocusonstrategicleadership.
Maintainingahealthylifestyleisanotherpillarofbalance. Despitehisbusyschedule,Prof.Kalyesubulafindstimefor physicalactivity,meditation,andreading,whichhe considersessentialformentalclarity.Hisfaithisa cornerstoneofhisresilience,providinghimwithstrength andperspectiveduringchallengingtimes.Heisadevout ChristianwhohasbeenfellowshippingfromMakerereFull GospelChurchsincehischildhooddays.
Byintegratingpersonalgrowthwithprofessionalambitions, Prof.Kalyesubulahascreatedaharmoniousbalancethat enableshimtoexcelinhisworkwhilenurturinghis relationshipsandpassions.
Prof.Kalyesubula’sappetiteforbusinessstemsfroma desiretocreatesustainablesolutionstopressinghealth challenges.Hisapproachtobusinessisdeeplyrootedin socialentrepreneurship,whereprofitalignswithpurpose.
ACCESS,forinstance,wasfoundedontheprincipleof reinvestingresourcesintocommunityhealthinitiatives.By
My advice to aspiring leaders is to embrace challenges as opportuni es for growth.
buildingpartnershipswithstakeholdersinhealthcare, technology,andeducation,Prof.Kalyesubulahas developedinnovativeprogramsthatgeneratelong-term impactwhileensuringfinancialsustainability.Thisprogram wasstartedwithsavingshemadeduringthevacationof gradeseven.
Hisinvolvementwithhealthcareextendsbeyondnonprofits.Hehasconsultedonpublic-privatepartnerships, helpingtosetupseven(7)dialysisunitsinUgandaandalso partneringtosetuptwohospitals.Healsosetupthe ACCESSSchoolofNursingandMidwiferyinNakaseke Districtwhichhastrainedover500nursesandmidwives workingacrosstheworldoverthelastfiveyears.
Prof.Kalyesubulaviewsbusinessasanopportunityto challengethestatusquoanddrivesystemicimprovements. Hisventuresarecharacterizedbyacommitmentto innovation,inclusivity,andmeasurableoutcomes.
ThepassiondrivingProf.Kalyesubulaisaprofound commitmenttoimprovinghealthcareequityandoutcomes inAfrica.GrowingupinUganda,hewitnessedfirst-hand thedisparitiesinaccesstohealthcareandeducation.These experiencesignitedadesiretobridgethegapsandensure thateveryindividualhasaccesstoqualitycareandfinances, regardlessoftheirsocioeconomicbackground.
HisworkwithACCESSembodiesthispassion.From preventingkidneydiseasetosupportingmaternalhealthand childeducation,everyinitiativereflectshisbeliefinthe transformativepowerofcommunity-centeredhealthcare. Hisacademicpursuitsfurtherfuelthispassion,ashe activelycontributestoresearchthatinformsglobalhealth policiesandpractices.
Prof.Kalyesubulaisdrivenbyavisionofahealthier,more equitableAfrica,whereindividualsandcommunitiescan thrive.
TheCOVID-19pandemicposedunprecedentedchallenges forhealthcaresystemsworldwide,andUgandawasno exception.Prof.Kalyesubula’sinitiativesincluding ACCESSwereaffectedtoo,withmanydonorspullingout, butheadaptedswiftly,leveragingmultiplesustainability strategiestoensurecontinuityofcare.ACCESS strengthenedcommunityoutreachprograms,ensuringthat vulnerablepopulationsreceivedessentialservices.
Hesetuphomecareprogramsduringthelockdown (Ugandahadoneofthelongestlockdownsintheworld)to ensurethatchildrenremainedinschool.Hesetuponline programsforourSchoolofNursingandMidwiferyandset upsmallhomebusinessesnearthehomesofour beneficiaries.
Workingwithoneofourkeydonors,theSegalFamily Foundation-heandhisteamworkedwith12partnersin UgandatosetupanorganizationcalledtheAfrican CoalitionforSocialImpact(ACSI)whichhelped organizationsworktogetherandsupporteachotherinthe areasofhealth,educationandlivelihoodsservingover 500,000clients
Additionally,hewasabletopartnerwithourinternational friendsfromtheUSA,Canada,andEuropetogetmoreof themuch-neededmedicalsuppliesfortherural communities.Hehadtolearnnewtechniquesoflogistics managementincludinginlandshippingandcross-border collaborations.Intheend,hegotthenecessaryresourcesto ourbeneficiariesintheruralcommunitiesthroughour leveragednetworks.
StrengthsandWeaknesses
Prof.Kalyesubulastrengthslieinhisresilience,strategic thinking,andabilitytoinspireothers.Hisjourneyfroma ruralupbringingtobecomingaglobalhealthleader demonstrateshisdeterminationandadaptability.
Takinggreatuseofeveryopportunitythatfurthershis careerhasbeenabighallmakerinensuringhissuccess. Duringhisinternshipdaysasamedicaldoctorpracticing medicineatMbaleRegionalReferralHospital.Hesawan opportunityforalackofsuturesinthehospital.Heworked outaprogramwithmysisterinKampalaandthebus driverstosetupabusinessthatsoldsutures.Fromthis venture,hesavedupenoughmoneytobuylandwherethe ACCESSprogramstandstoday.
Building strong rela onships, fostering collabora on, and staying grounded in one’s values are essen al.
Inanotherinstance,hesawanadvertonthescreenboard advertisingaPhDforNCDsinLondonbutwithnocontacts ofanyoneinUganda.HereachedouttotheUKteamwho pointedmeintherightdirection.Afteralongstreakof trials,hegottostudyforPhDandgraduatedwith distinction.
Oneareaofgrowthheacknowledgesisthechallengeof delegation.Earlyinhiscareer,heoftentookontoomuch responsibility,whichledtoburnout.Learningtotrustand
empowerhisteamhasbeenatransformativelesson,andhe encouragesotherstobuildstrong,collaborativenetworks.
Theotherweaknesshasbeentrustingpeopleand professionalstoomuchbeforetheyaretriedandtested. Manyfriendsandprofessionalshavebeenagreat disappointmentbutwithtimeIhavelearnedtoread people'scharacterandseparateworkfromfriendship.Trust hastobeearned.
Prof.Kalyesubulahasexcelledinbothprofessionaland personalrealms,earningrecognitionasadistinguished academic,researcher,andclinicianinglobalhealth.His professionalachievementsareunderpinnedbyextensive education,includinganMBChBandMMedfromMakerere University,aPhDinNCDEpidemiologyfromtheLondon SchoolofHygieneandTropicalMedicine,andfellowships fromYaleUniversityandtheInternationalSocietyof Nephrology
AsaseniorlecturerandheadoftheDepartmentof PhysiologyatMakerereUniversity,Prof.Kalyesubulahas contributedsignificantlytomedicaleducationandresearch. Hehasco-authoredover140peer-reviewedpublications andmentored36postgraduatestudents,includingtwoPhD candidates.Hisground-breakingresearchonkidneydisease andhypertensioninSub-SaharanAfricahasinformed nationalandinternationalguidelines,enhancingthe understandingandmanagementoftheseconditionsin resource-limitedsettings.
Prof.Kalyesubula’sleadershipextendsbeyondacademia. AsthefoundingpresidentoftheUgandaKidney Foundation,hehaschampionedeffortstoimproverenal healthcareaccess.Hisrolesasanadjunctprofessorat esteemedinstitutionslikeYaleandMcMasterUniversity highlighthisglobalinfluence.
HisaccoladesincludetheEmergingLeaderAwardfromthe InternationalSocietyofNephrology,theFellowofthe RoyalCollegeofPhysicians(FRCP),ProfessorshipsatYale SchoolofMedicineandtheUniversityofVermontinthe USA,theUniversityofChariteinGermanyandMcMaster UniversityinCanadaspeaktohisacademicexcellenceand collaborativespirit.
TheAfricanVisionaryLeadershipAward,theRotarian AwardofKampala,theOutstandingPhysicianawardfrom theDiasporaNetworkofUgandaandbeingvotedamong
thefivebestdoctorsinUgandain2022amongothers, speaktohiscommunityengagement.Thesehonors underscorehisexceptionalcontributionstomedicine, leadership,andcommunityhealth.
Onapersonallevel,Prof.Kalyesubulaexemplifies resilienceanddedication,balancinghisdemanding professionallifewithhispassionformentoringand inspiringthenextgenerationofhealthcareprofessionals. Hisjourneyreflectsacommitmenttoadvancinghealthcare, particularlyinunderservedregions,makinghimarole modelintheglobalmedicalcommunity
Leadershipisajourneyofself-awareness,continuous learning,andresilience.Prof.Kalyesubulaadvisesaspiring leaderstoembracechallengesasopportunitiesforgrowth. Buildingstrongrelationships,fosteringcollaboration,and stayinggroundedinone’svaluesareessential.He emphasizestheimportanceofadaptabilityandbeingopen tonewideaswhilemaintainingaclearvisionandpurpose.
Theterrainisfastchangingandyoungpeopleand colleaguesneedtoembracetechnology,workingwith othersandharnessingthepowerofcollaboration.
Wheneverthereisanopportunitytoadvanceyourcareer anddevelopnewskills,takeitwithbothhandsandensure thatyoukeeplearningandimprovingyourknowledgeand skillset.
Alwaysensurethatyouhaveamentorormentorswho shouldideallybebetterthanyoutoofferyouguidancein areasofinterestsothatyoucanachieveyourdreams.Once youlearnnewskillsmakesurethatyoumentorotherstoo, sothattheycansupportyouasmoveuptheladder.Itcan getverylonelyupthere.
Successistheresultofpassion,perseverance,andpurpose. Pursueyourdreamswithintegrityandhonesty,stay committedtomakingadifference,andalwaysbelieveinthe powerofinnovationtotransformlives.
Aswestepintoaneweraofpossibilities,Iamexcited aboutthepotentialoftechnologytoreshapeindustries, particularlyhealthcare.Letusfocusoncreatingsolutions thatarenotonlyinnovativebutalsoinclusive,ensuringno oneisleftbehindinourpursuitofprogress.
Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.
on-communicablediseases,suchasheartdisease, Ndiabetes,andcancer,areoneofthesignificant globalhealthchallenges.Thesediseasesare primarilydrivenbylifestylechoices;therefore,the preventionofsuchdiseasesthroughlifestylechangesisone oftheimportantstrategies.Thereisaneedtounderstand howsimplemodificationsindailyhabitsleadtosignificant healthbenefitsinthereductionoftheriskofNCDs.
Healthynutritionisthecoreofdiseaseprevention.A balanceddiet,abundantinfruits,vegetables,wholegrains, andleanproteins,significantlyreducestheriskofNCDs. Dietarypatternshavebeenfoundtobeavitalfactorin overallhealth.Ithasbeendemonstratedthatdietsthat containhighlevelsofprocessedfoodsandsugarsdisturb systemicmetabolicbalanceandobesity.Incontrast,diets thatconcentrateonnaturalfoodconsumptiontendtohave betterhealthoutcomes.
Saltintakeshouldbereduced.Highsodiumintakeis associatedwithhighbloodpressure,whichisamajorrisk factorforheartdiseaseandstroke.TheWorldHealth Organizationrecommendslimitingsaltintaketoreduce theserisks.Morefiberinthedietcanalsohelpregulate bloodsugarlevelsandimprovedigestivehealth,reducing theriskofdiabetesandcardiovascularproblems.
Regularphysicalactivityalsoplaysanimportantrolein preventingNCDs.Livingasedentarylifestylemaybe associatedwithanynumberofhealthproblems,from obesity,hypertension,andtype2diabetes.Physicalhealth canbedramaticallyimprovedaswellasreducingrisk factorsforchronicdiseasesbyspendingatleast150 minutesofmoderate-intensityexerciseperweek.
Exercisenotonlyhasahealthyimpactonweight managementbutalsoforcardiovascularhealth:it strengthenstheheartandkeepsthebloodpumping.In addition,physicalexercisehasmentalwellnessbenefits; sometimesitreducessignsofanxietyordepression, contributingtowell-being.
Sleepisoftennotrecognizedasadequateandisimportant inmaintaininghealth.Adultsshouldtake7to9quality hoursofsleepatnight.Lackofenoughsleephasbeen associatedwithsomehealthproblemsincludingobesity, diabetes,andheartdisease.Inaddition,itisknownto magnifystress,whichcancreateunhealthycopinghabits suchasundesirabledietaryhabitsorsubstanceabuse.
Mentalhealthhasaroleinplayingasignificantpartin physicalhealth.Practicingstressmanagementtechniques suchasmeditationoryogaorjusttakingthetimetorelax maysoftenoneagainststress-relatedhealthconcerns.A mindfulapproachtomindfulnessfostersthementalstateto beresilientagainstchronicdiseases.
InlimitingNCD,tobaccoproductsmokingshouldbe avoidedorreduced.Theuseofcigarettesremainsoneofthe mostdominantpreventabledeathcausesinworldwide populations.Asidefromthemultiplecancersitinduces, diseasesincludingrespiratorysystemailmentsand cardiovascularcomplications,smokingwillprevent
quitting.Ifthepersonwouldquitthisbadhabitofsmoking, thesecondarysmokeinthepublichealthpopulationwill stop.
Similarly,alcoholabusecancauseliverdisease,certain cancers,andpsychiatricdisorders.Avoidingorlimiting alcoholusecansignificantlyreducetheserisks.
Althoughindividuallifestylechangesarenecessaryto preventNCDs,communitiesmustalsostrivetogetherwith effectivepolicyinitiatives.Governmentsandorganizations havetobuildanenvironmentthatadvocateshealthyliving througheasyaccesstorecreationcenters,publicawareness programsaboutnutritionandexercise,andregulationabout noxiousproductssuchassmokingandalcohol.
Educationalprogramswhichinformthecommunitiesabout healthylifestylescanhelpthepeopletakecontrolof makingtheirhealth-relateddecisions.Therefore,itrequires teamworkbetweenhealthproviders,policymakers,and organizationsinacommunitytoeffectchangethatlasts.
Preventingnoncommunicablediseaseshastobetakenin diverseaspects,workingcentrallyfromthemainaspectsof lifestylemodifications.Themainideasincorporatedare healthydietaryhabits,properphysicalactivity,adequate sleep,properstressmanagement,andstayingawayfrom unhealthierdrugsliketobaccoorexcessivealcohol drinking.Itmighthelpanindividualreducehislikelihood ofhavingachronicdiseaseasmuchaspossible.
Aboveall,supportivecommunitiesandgoodpublicpolicies areessentialincreatingahealthylivingenvironment.As timecontinuestopass,thereisincreasingawarenessabout thewaylifestylechoicesimpactfuturehealth,thus empoweringpeopletocontroltheirlives.
Inanutshell,althoughnon-communicablediseasesposea hugechallengetotheworld,theyarepreventablethrough consciouslifestylemodifications.Highlightingnutrition, physicalactivity,mentalwell-being,andcommunity supportcanleadtohealthierpopulationsandreducethe burdenofthesediseasesonhealthcaresystemsworldwide.
UnderstandingNCDsisimportanttotheworld
becausetheysignificantlycausedeaths, complicationsinhealthcaresystems,andinstability intheeconomies.NCDsincludediseasessuchas cardiovasculardiseases,cancers,chronicrespiratory diseases,anddiabetes;everyyear,about41millionpeople dieofthem,constitutingabout71%ofalldeathsglobally.It isconsiderablydisturbinginlow-andmiddle-income countrieswheremostoftheprematuredeathshappen.
This article explains the importance of understanding NCDs and their implications for public health and economic development.
Thelastfewdecadeshavewitnessedaradicalshiftinthe globalhealthlandscape.NCDshavenowbecomethemain causeofdeathglobally,supplantinginfectiousdiseasesthat previouslydominatedhealthconcerns.Recently,theWorld HealthOrganizationreportedthatcardiovasculardiseases
alonecausenearly18milliondeathsinayear,followedby cancersandrespiratorydiseases.Thistrendislikelyto continue,asprojectionsindicateanincreaseof17%inthe globalburdenofNCDsby2025.
Factorsinfluencingthisgrowthcutacrossmultiple parameters.Increasedlifestyles,changesthataccompany urbanization,andadvancementinlifeyearsallpushonthe populationwhoseriskfactorsacceleratethesechronic ailments.Otherbehaviorssuchasusageoftobacco;poor dietslackingfruitsandnuts;sedentarylifestylecombined withtheindulgenceofdrinkingalcoholthatpromotesharm haveequallybeenassociateddirectlywiththesecausesof NCDs.Anattackonthisriskfactorleadstoreducingand loweringincidence/prevalence,respectively
TheeconomicburdencreatedbyNCDsismind-boggling. Thesechronicdiseasesmakeaholeinthehealthcarebudget ofthecountriesaswellasaffectthegrowthoftheir economy Theeffect,however,isworseinpoorcountries duetothescarcityofhealthresources.Out-of-pocket expenditureinthecaseoflong-termcareforNCDsleadsto alotofpressureonthehousehold,andthesituation worsens:povertyincreasestheburdenofhealthissues, whilehealthproblemsmakepeoplemorepronetopoverty
Preventivemeasurescanevenresultinanenormous economicoutcome.Diminishingriskfactorsrelatedto NCDsresultsinreducedcostsofhealthcareandenhanced populationproductivity.Anexampleofthisispublic educationtargetedathealthyliving.Itreducestheratesof smokingandprevalenceofobesitylevels,thusreducing casesofNCDs.
UnderstandingNCDsalsobringsinissuesofhealthequity andaccessibilitytocare.Vulnerablepeopleoftenbear disproportionateburdensofdiseaseduetolowaccessto careservicesandpreventionandmanagementnecessities. Inthemajorityofthelow-andmiddle-incomenations,the deliveryofhealthsystemsisoftenfailingtoprovide requisiteservicesforsufferersofNCDs.Thatdisparity affectsmorethanindividualistichealthoutcomes:itfeeds andperpetuatesgeneralsocietalinequities.
Governmentsandotherinternationalorganizationsmust, forobviousreasons,takeinvestmentinhealthinfrastructure
atthetopoftheprioritylistatthispointbecauseofthe currentneedtoensurethatitcouldcopewithimpactsof NCDs.Screening,earlydetection,treatmentoptions,and palliativecareservicesallhavetobeimproved.
NCDsareincreasinglybeingviewedasathreattoglobal healthsecurity.Itsgrowingprevalenceputsnotonlyone countryindangerbutthewholeworldatrisk.Thisis becausetoday'sinterconnectivityoftheworldmeansthata healthissueinoneareawouldtrickledowntoanotherarea. Forinstance,theeconomicimpactsofrisinghealthcare coststhroughNCDsdestabilizetheeconomiesofother countries.
Thisfurthercallsforacollaborationofthestakeholders involvedinthemanagementofNCDs.Thegovernments, NGOs,andprivatesectorsmustcometogethertoform effectivestrategiesinpreventingandcontrollingthe diseases.TheWHOhasemphasizedtheneedfora coordinatedresponsethatintegrateseffortsacrossdifferent sectorstocombatthegrowingthreatposedbythese diseases.
Conclusion
Theneedtoimprovehealthoutcomesontheglobal platformcannotbemoreunderstandablewithout appreciatingnon-communicablediseases.Suchmassive deathsrelatedtoNCDsrequireanactionimperativeboth locallyandinternationally.Addressingtheseriskfactorsin affectedpopulationsisfeasiblebyinterventionsfrompublic healthservicesandimprovementsinaccesstocare.
Thishasnoeconomicimplication;theinvestmentmadein thepreventionmeasureswillseebetterhealthresultsandbe contributingtoachievingstabilityineconomiesforthe affectedregions.IncontinuingtobattleNCDsimpacts,it mustdrawfar-reachingunderstandingofwhatcausesthem andwhateffectstheyproduceincomingupwithpublic policiestobeeffectivecontributorstowardshealthier societiesintheworld.
Throughconcertedeffortstowardpreventionand managementofnon-communicablediseases,itispossible topavethewaytowardahealthierfuturewhereindividuals canthrivewithouttheburdenofchronicillness overshadowingtheirlives.
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