DOST calls for creation of commission for NCDs prevention

Acd. Antonio Miguel L. Dans presenting data on NCDs during the NAST PHL Annual Scientific Meeting pre-conference. (Photo courtesy of NAST)

MANILA – At the end of the 37th annual scientific meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) called for the creation of a commission for the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

This was the agency’s resolution, as the country is battling with a high incidence of NCDs, with 300,000 Filipinos dying from these annually.

The 37th meeting gave focus on that problem, and had the theme “The Challenges of Non-Communicable Diseases: Responding Through Multisectoral Action.”

The DOST acknowledged the fact that NCDs have a huge social impact, and that the problem should be addressed using multi-sectoral, socio-cultural approach.

Furthermore, the agency believes that public information campaign should be vitalized.

It was earlier noted that poor lifestyle is a huge contributor to the development of NCDs. With this, the Department of Health (DOH), represented by Undersecretary Kenneth Hartigan-Go, emphasized that NCDs are largely preventable, and that also means the number of premature deaths may be reduced.

“This meeting is a reality and an eye opener for us,” said Hartigan-Go during the last day of the session.

He added that the DOH fully supports the resolution and action plan. He also cited that the DOH will ensure the creation of the commission.