Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic conditions that develop over time and are not transmitted from person to person.
Common NCDs include cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks and strokes), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
These diseases often progress slowly and require long-term management, explained Alphonse Mbarushimana, the Executive Director of the Rwanda NCD Alliance. "Detection, screening, and treatment of NCDs, as well as palliative care, are key components of the response," he added.
NCDs claim 41 million lives each year, accounting for 74% of all global deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for the majority of these deaths, followed by cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
In Rwanda, NCDs account for 44% of all deaths, and when combined with injuries and disabilities, they contribute to 58% of the nation's annual mortality rate, according to the Ministry of Health. However, many of these deaths are preventable through lifestyle changes.
As the Global Week for Action on NCDs 2024 runs from October 15 to 22, coinciding with the postponed Global NCD Alliance Forum in Kigali, here are five key ways to prevent lifestyle-related diseases:
1. Avoid Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for NCDs. Alphonse Mbarushimana emphasized that modifiable behaviors, such as tobacco use, significantly increase the risk of these diseases. Globally, tobacco use accounts for over 8 million deaths annually, including from exposure to second-hand smoke.
A 2023 survey conducted by the Rwanda NCD Alliance in partnership with the Ministry of Health revealed that 29.3% of adult Rwandans were exposed to tobacco smoke at home, and 13% were exposed at work.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Excess salt intake is responsible for 1.8 million deaths annually, primarily due to its link to high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. To reduce these risks, it’s crucial to limit processed foods and increase the consumption of nutrient-dense foods like legumes, lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Nutritionists recommend regular health check-ups and emphasize the importance of a balanced diet in preventing lifestyle diseases.
3. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is another significant contributor to NCDs, causing more than half of the 3 million annual deaths linked to its consumption.
It is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and increases the risk of liver, breast, mouth, and throat cancers.
In Rwanda, a 2023 survey found that 41.9% of respondents had consumed alcohol in the past year, with 12.5% reporting daily use. Approximately 30.8% of adults reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days.
4. Stay Physically Active
Insufficient physical activity leads to 830,000 deaths annually and is a significant risk factor for NCDs such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Incorporating regular physical activity into daily life can significantly reduce the risk of premature death from these conditions.
5. Reduce Air Pollution Exposure
Air pollution, which contributes to 6.7 million deaths globally each year, is a leading cause of NCDs, including stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer. In Rwanda, diseases related to poor air quality claim around 3,000 lives annually.