23 Apr 2013

The Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri will on April 24, leave for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to participate at the Sixth conference of AU Ministers of Health.

A press release from the Ministry of Health says the meeting will be held from April 25 to April 26, under theme, “The Impact of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) on Development in Africa”.

The conference will provide an opportunity for ministers of health to share experiences and learn from each other on ongoing programmes and activities of health. It will also provide opportunity to review progress made towards the attainment of the Health Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

It states that the sixth session will provide an important forum for member states to thoroughly discuss among others; ways to increase awareness on the challenges of NTDs and NCDs, facilitate decision on strong actions against NTDs and NCDs and to articulate the essential elements on a continental strategy to increase resource mobilising especially domestic resources and enhance efficiency of health programmes in Africa

NDCs kill more that 36 million people each year with nearly 80 per cent of NCD deaths occurring in low and middle income countries. Cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths with 17 million people dying annually, followed by cancers with 7.6 million, respiratory diseases account for 4.2 million and with diabetes at 1.3 million.

These four diseases share four risk factors of tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets.

Globally, an estimated one billion people are at risk of being infected by NTDs and approximately 534 000 deaths occur annually as a result. Up to 90 per cent of the burden of NTD is believed to occur in Africa.

The statutory sessions of the AU Conference of Ministers of Health convene every two years, the last Ordinary Session was held in Windhoek Namibia in April 2011.

The Assistant Minister is expected back home on April 27. ENDS