New leaders urged to prioritize health crisis as NCDs rise in PH
A network of health advocates is calling on newly elected officials to address the increase in the number of cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.
The Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA) urged bold, preventive policies to reduce the toll of diseases such as heart conditions, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory illnesses.
The HPA is marking both its participation in this month's United Nations Multi-Stakeholder Hearing and the global observance of World No Tobacco Day.
'Our newly elected leaders need to confront the truth that NCDs are the number one cause of deaths in the Philippines and continue to place a great burden on Filipino families,' said Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, Lead Convenor of HPA and former Health Secretary.
"We urge them to take decisive action and implement evidence-based solutions to prevent NCDs and save thousands of Filipino lives,' he added.
He underscored the importance of addressing diet-related illnesses by promoting front-of-pack food warning labels on packaged goods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
He also highlighted the urgent need for stronger regulations against tobacco and vape products — especially those marketed to the youth.
'These products expose our young people to elevated risks of lung injuries, cancer, and heart disease,' Galvez Tan warned.
The Alliance also pointed out that health disparities across the country are closely linked to social, economic, and environmental factors, with marginalized communities bearing the brunt of the burden.
In response, HPA took part in the recent UN Multi-Stakeholder Hearing in preparation for the Fourth UN High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of NCDs and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being (HLM4) that is scheduled for September.
At the hearing, public health advocates from around the world called on governments to prioritize prevention, early diagnosis, and long-term care for NCDs as part of their national health agendas.
Five-point policy agenda
To effectively reduce NCD-related deaths and improve quality of life for millions of Filipinos, HPA recommends the following key actions:
Strengthen nutrition policies by limiting sugar, sodium, and saturated fats in ultra-processed foods.
Expand social protection for people living with NCDs, including access to medications and support services.
Invest in healthier communities through better urban planning, promotion of physical activity, and initiatives to curb air pollution.
Integrate NCD prevention into universal healthcare coverage and national health programs.
Enhance primary care systems for better accessibility, early detection, and sustained intervention.
The Alliance emphasized that tackling NCDs requires a whole-of-society, whole-of-government approach. It urged incoming lawmakers to build on existing efforts and align national policies with global health targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Filipinos face a 24.5% chance of dying from NCDs between the ages of 30 and 70—significantly higher than the Asia-Pacific regional average of 15.6%.
'The numbers speak for themselves. Without immediate government action, we risk losing more lives to preventable diseases,' HPA said.
With the country at a political crossroads, public health advocates are hopeful that the new administration will seize the opportunity to prioritize the health and well-being of all Filipinos. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
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