Barbados has met fewer NCD progress indicators – WHO

Barbados has regressed slightly with its implementation strategies for fighting the scourge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

This was evident in the recently-released World Health Organisation (WHOs) 2022 Non-communicable Disease Progress Monitor report, which showed that the percentage of deaths from NCDs in Barbados in 2019 stood at 83 per cent, representing 2,800 total NCD deaths, which is above the world average of 74 per cent.

The document also shows a 16 per cent probability of premature mortality from NCDs such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.

According to the document, Barbados achieved four of the progress indicators, partially achieved five and has not achieved nine of them. This suggests, the country fell back on its public education and awareness campaign on physical activities, which it achieved in 2020.

The 233-page document examined 10 NCD monitoring indicators intended to show the progress achieved in countries in the implementation of selected national commitments.

It noted that Barbados has not yet achieved its unhealthy diet reduction measures which include salt/sodium policies, saturated fatty acids and trans-fat policies, marketing to children and marketing of breast milk substitute restrictions.

The country is also yet to reach the threshold on its public education and awareness campaign on physical activity and drug therapy/counselling to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

The progress monitoring indicator showed that the country has only partially achieved mortality data, risk factor surveys and guidelines for management of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease.

The report noted that Barbados achieved objective one, its national NCD targets and indicator number three, putting a national integrated NCD policy/strategy/action plan in place.

“In 2015, all countries committed in the Sustainable Development Goals to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by a third by 2030. Right now, few countries are on track to achieve this target,” said the authors of the report.

The data, which was prepared by Leanne Riley and Melanie Cowan from the Surveillance, Monitoring and Reporting Unit, Non-communicable Diseases Department of the WHO, was collected between May and September 2021 in all 194 WHO member states.

The authors noted that “The COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted health systems, economies and societies. In many countries, this has set-back efforts to protect people from NCDs.”

However, they said “In a world filled with uncertainty, a silver lining for NCDs is that we know both how to prevent them and how to manage them.”

The authors indicated that while the path to success for NCDs was a “long one”, analysis showed that with the right strategic investments, countries facing the greatest burden of premature NCD deaths can change their disease trajectory.

“They can deliver significant health and economic gains for their citizens by focusing on a few key policies in areas including tobacco and alcohol control, reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, management of diabetes, and vaccination against human papillomavirus,” they added.

Under indicator number six – harmful use of alcohol reduction measures – Barbados has partially achieved restrictions on physical availability and increased excise taxes, but has not achieved any movement on advertising bans or comprehensive restrictions.

Indicator number five, tobacco demand-reduction measures, the country is yet to impose bans on advertising, promotion and sponsorship as well as mass media campaigns. However, it has achieved a smoke-free policy and large graphic health warnings/plan packaging.

Director General of the WHO Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said the data showed that 77 countries have fully achieved more indicators in 2022 compared with 2020, when the previous monitoring report was published.

“More countries are running campaigns to reduce tobacco use and developing clinical guidelines for NCD management. We have also seen progress in efforts to improve nutrition and food environments,” he said.

“However, there are also challenges. Premature NCD mortality has increased in more than 20 mostly low- and middle-income countries. Rates of diabetes and obesity are on the rise. Fifty-four countries have lost ground, achieving fewer indicators than in 2020, and there have been major declines in physical activity awareness campaigns, NCD surveillance and the development of integrated NCD plans,” said Ghebreyesus.

Pointing out that the indicators were not just about meeting targets, he said the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how people with NCDs are at increased risk of severe disease or death from coronavirus.

“To protect the health of its citizens, no country can afford not to invest in NCDs and strengthen health services as part of its preparedness for future pandemics and humanitarian emergencies. What must come now is action at the national and community level. This can help to secure a healthy future for millions of people,” he said.