National health systems need strengthening -- Commonwealth ministers

National health systems need to be strengthened in order to cope with an increase in non-infectious diseases like diabetes, cardio-vascular disease and cancer, according to a new statement from Commonwealth health ministers.

Following a meeting in Geneva on 13 May 2007, the ministers highlighted the link between these ‘non-communicable diseases’, poverty and slow economic growth. Health systems in many Commonwealth countries were struggling with the double burden of both infectious and non-infectious diseases, they stated.

“There is need for action to strengthen national health systems, including meeting commitments on financing, service delivery and promoting a healthy lifestyle,” the statement said.

The World Health Organisation estimates that 70 per cent of cancer deaths, 80 per cent of cardio-vascular fatalities and 80 per cent of deaths due to diabetes happen in the developing world. In 2005, lifestyle diseases were responsible for 60 per cent of global deaths.

Full statement available here

Secretariat Links:

• Health
• New publication: ‘Commonwealth Health Ministers Book 2007’