Rising ailments growing threat

There is good news. Much of China's NCD burden can be avoided or reasonably well managed if good practices that have been proven effective internationally are adopted, tailored to suit local conditions. Cost-effective policy options exist for adopting a comprehensive multisectoral response to deal with NCDs.

With strong political commitment at the highest levels of government, many of the key challenges for implementing these options can be overcome so that policies and investments in other sectors contribute to the control of the social and health risks associated with NCDs. Building upon ongoing healthcare system reforms, better health outcomes can be generated by redesigning healthcare organizations, financing and service delivery systems.

It may not be widely known, but evidence from successful efforts in developed countries reveals that health improvements occur in a shorter time frame than people commonly believe - within a year or a few years rather than decades - after the elimination of the health risk factors associated with the onset of NCDs.

More than half of NCDs are preventable by modifying lifestyles and reducing risks. This includes efforts to reduce high smoking rates among males, alcohol abuse, and high salt intake. Addressing the problem of growing obesity because of increased consumption of fast foods rich in fat and salt, sugar-rich soft drinks and decreased physical activity in cities, will also help prevent and control the rising tide of NCDs expected over the next 20 years. Together with improved access to quality medicines and medical care for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, the combined set of population-based and healthcare services are cost-effective and proven interventions to reduce the rate of premature mortality, ill health and disability because of NCDs.

Improved health conditions in China will benefit not only individuals and families but also society as a whole and the national economy. And, an effective response by China to address the NCD challenge in the years to come could be a powerful example that would significantly influence the rest of the world.

The World Bank and the World Health Organization, working in partnership with other agencies, stand ready to provide technical and financial support to the Chinese government for an effective and sustainable multisectoral strategy to address the major development challenge posed by NCDs.

Klaus Rohland is the World Bank director for China, and Michael O'Leary is the World Health Organization representative in China.

(China Daily 07/26/2011 page9)