Mohammad Wasay  ( Department of Medicine, Section of Neurology,1 Endocrinology,2 Aga Khan University, Karachi. )
Abdul Jabbar  ( Department of Medicine, Section of Neurology,1 Endocrinology,2 Aga Khan University, Karachi. )

The burden of chronic diseases including High Blood Pressure, Stroke, Diabetes and cancer was re emphasized by World Health Organization in 2005 as neglected global health issues.¹ These diseases were responsible for more than 60% deaths (35 Million) worldwide and 80% of these deaths occurred in developing countries including Pakistan.² 

Age adjusted death rate related to Chronic diseases was estimated to be 750 per 100,000 population translating into 0.15 Billion US Dollar GDP loss.² 

Pakistan has the world's sixth largest population (165 million in 2007) which is continuously growing at about 1.83% every year. We know from our national heath surveys that 33% of Pakistani population above the age of 45 has hypertension.³ Further analysis of this data revealed that the prevalence is 19% (95% CI; 18.9-19.1) in people of age 15 or above.⁴ Moreover, Pakistan ranks at number six in terms of number of people with diabetes worldwide. It was estimated that in 2000 there were 5.2 million diabetic patients and this will rise to 13.9 million by 2020, leading Pakistan to 4th most populous country for patients with diabetes mellitus.⁵ According to the National Health Survey of Pakistan, 25% of patients over the age of 45 years suffer Diabetes Mellitus. Further analysis of this data revealed that prevalence of DM among population aged 15 years and above was 5.4% (95% CI; 4.9-5.9) with significant ethnic differences.⁶ Prevalence of smoking has been reported to be 14-21% in adolescents and adults, being more common in men.^7-9 The estimated annual incidence of stroke in Pakistan is 250/100,000, translating to 350,000 new cases every year.¹⁰

Authorities have suggested four major, cost effective interventions to fight against epidemic of these diseases in developing countries. It is estimated that scaling up of these interventions will avert more than ¹⁰ Million deaths in next 8-10 years.¹¹ These four interventions include Low salt intake, smoking cessation, physical activity or exercise and cost effective pharmacological therapy.

The reduction of salt intake has a robust effect on blood pressure based on current evidence. The human body requires about 50 mg of Sodium daily. WHO recommended daily salt requirement to be 5 grams per day (one tea spoon).¹²

WHO also recommended a five pronged approach for tobacco control; 1) increase in taxation, 2) comprehensive ban on smoking at work place, 3) warnings about tobacco, 4) ban on tobacco advertising and 5) media campaign against smoking. It is estimated that over 3 years these interventions may lead to 24% reduction in smoking.^13,14

The beneficial effect of physical activity has been demonstrated by many trials. Data from more than 40 observational studies showed clear evidence of an inverse relation ship between physical activity and all cause mortality.¹⁵ Regular physical activity of about forty five minutes daily is associated with a significant 20-30% reduction in risk of all cause mortality.¹⁶

These cost effective interventions are not easy to implement. Although cost more than one dollar per person per year yet it translates into about 150 Million USD initially to implement these interventions in Pakistan.¹⁷ They require substantial life style modifications and involvement of all stake holders most importantly Government, physicians, professional organizations, Non Governmental organizations (NGO) and Media. Strong advocacy efforts are needed to gather all these stake holders at one platform to start productive, coordinated activities.¹⁸ Recently, representatives of governments of various Asian and African countries gathered at Kampala, Uganda for first Asian and African Chronic Disease Summit. The summit was attended by WHO officials, public health specialists, researchers, members of various NGOs and academicians from 23 Asian and African countries. The participants agreed to "Implement WHO Non communicable disease action plan, create the basis for a multisectorial NCD alliance in Asia-Africa, and to accelerate progress by sharing resources, expertise and experiences to promote an integrated and evidence based approach to reduce the health and economic burdens of chronic diseases" (Kampala Statement).

We believe that a sense of urgency is needed for such a multisectorial alliance at the national level in Pakistan. Chronic diseases are controllable and preventable. Hundreds and thousands of lives could be saved by moderate, coordinated efforts. 

References

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