The World Health Organization (WHO) recently handed over much needed essential equipment to the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) to support early detection and management of chronic diseases in NCD.
NCD is recorded to have the country’s highest rate of inpatient deaths from non-communicable diseases in the country such as Cardiovascular Diseases, Chronic Respiratory Diseases, Diabetes, Cancers, and Hypertension.
Officer in Charge of WHO PNG, Dr. Mollent Okech said non-communicable diseases epidemic was a serious threat to life, health, and development in PNG.
“With 56% of all deaths in PNG are premature mortality which are caused by risky health behaviors such as tobacco smoking, obesity and raised blood pressure, high salt Intake, and alcohol”.
“Let’s do as much as we can, I hope this equipment will go a long way in supporting the NCD PHA to manage these diseases.”
Meanwhile, NCD PHA Director Public Health, Dr. Amos Nano, added that lifestyle diseases have taken over from all others and have been struggling to manage.
“Such support from partners will really help to build their capacity in order to cater to improving the health of the large NCD population.”
The equipment will be distributed to the six urban Clinics in NCD including glucometers, BSL strips, HBA1C machines and insulin to detect and treat diabetes. ECG machine, IV hydralazine, nitroglycerin to detect heart disease and hypertension as well as general items such as Digital and manual BP machines, adult scale, adult ruler, Stethoscopes, patellar hammers and tuning fork.