LAHORE: The Punjab Public Health Agency (PPHA) launched its ‘Policy Round-table Series’ with the first dialogue on “Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases” in Punjab.
Professor John Chambers, a cardiovascular epidemiologist from Imperial College London, was present at the round-table to share his expertise on international best practices in NCD management, and challenges faced globally.Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) were a growing cause of concern globally.
According to WHO, NCDs were estimated to kill approximately 40 million people each year globally,accounting for nearly 70 per cent of all deaths. Pakistan, facing a double burden of disease, is ranked 7th in the world for diabetes prevalence.
Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (PSHD) launched the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Disease Program in 2016, with the goal to reduce the burden of morbidity, mortality and premature mortality related to NCDs.
PPHA CEO Dr Shabnum Sarfraz shed light on the importance of a collective discussion space where academicians and public health professionals can interact with seasoned subject matter experts on health and related matters.
She highlighted that Punjab is the first province to have established a Provincial NCD Unit and allocated dedicated funds for prevention and control of NCDs in the province.
