A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report has highlighted a pressing health issue: Filipinos face a significantly higher risk of dying from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) compared to others in the Western Pacific region.
The data reveals that 24.5 percent of Filipinos are likely to experience premature death between the ages of 30 and 70 due to conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses. This figure starkly contrasts with the regional average of 15.6 percent, indicating a growing public health crisis.
Alarming Trends in Mortality Rates
The WHO report, titled “Health Statistics in the Western Pacific Region 2023: Monitoring Health for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” shows that the death rate from NCDs in the Philippines rose from 651 per 100,000 people in 2000 to 714 per 100,000 by 2021.
This increase positions the Philippines among the few nations in the Western Pacific experiencing a rise in premature mortality from NCDs, diverging from the overall regional trend of decline. In 2019, NCDs were responsible for over 511,000 deaths in the Philippines, with cardiovascular diseases and cancers being the leading contributors.
Key Risk Factors: Alcohol and Tobacco Use
Key risk factors include rising alcohol and tobacco consumption. Although tobacco use decreased slightly, from 28 percent of adults in 2000 to 22.5 percent in 2022, it remains above the global average. Alcohol consumption has surged by 40 percent since 2000, despite recent improvements. Dr. Hiromasa Okayasu, WHO’s Western Pacific director, emphasizes the need for stronger regulations on harmful products like electronic cigarettes.
A Call to Action for Health Policies
With the United Nations aiming to reduce premature deaths from lifestyle-related diseases by one-third by 2030, urgent action is necessary. Increased public awareness and comprehensive policies are critical to addressing the rising tide of NCDs and protecting future generations. The time for decisive action is now.
