Inequality is major factor in impact of non-communicable diseases : WHO
The study confirmed that social marginalisation, disability and migrant status were significant factors contributing to increased risk
A landmark study by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that inequality plays a significant role in the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. The report, the largest of its kind, examines the top four NCDs - cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes - and the five main risk factors driving them, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and air pollution.
The study found that social marginalisation, disability, and migrant status are significant factors contributing to increased NCD risk. Low- and middle-income countries saw higher rates of hypertension and diabetes among less educated populations. Cervical cancer screening rates were low among the poorest and least-educated women, while tobacco use remained higher among less-educated men compared to more educated men.
Geographical disparities also emerged, with rural areas experiencing limited access to hypertension diagnosis and cancer screening. Gender and age also influenced NCDs, with men diagnosed and treated less frequently for hypertension despite higher tobacco and alcohol consumption, while women had a higher prevalence of obesity, particularly in developing countries.
The report confirms that social and economic factors have a profound impact on NCDs at every stage - from exposure to risk factors, to diagnosis, treatment, and disease management. The WHO urges governments to implement health-related taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, tailor insurance schemes or subsidies for under-served communities, and incorporate inequality indicators into their national health systems.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
