African nations developing lifestyle diseases: WHO

According to recent World Health Organization (WHO) survey of 33 countries has shown that African nations developing lifestyle diseases.
It is mainly due city life and its modern trappings which have brought bad habits to developing African nations such as smoking, harmful use of alcohol, a poor diet and low levels of physical activity.

What are lifestyle diseases?

Lifestyle diseases are defined as diseases linked unhealthy lifestyle of people. These diseases appear in countries which are on path of becoming more industrialized and people live longer life. These diseased are commonly caused by alcohol, drug and smoking abuse as well as lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating. Some of the diseases that impact lifestyle are heart disease, stroke, obesity and type II diabetes. 

Key highlights of the study

• Developing African nations will see more die of chronic lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes than infectious diseases by 2030.
• There is rise in non-communicable diseases to changes in developing societies. It is estimated that 46% of Africans suffer high blood pressure, the highest worldwide.
• Due to legislation and policy weaknesses daily tobacco use ranges from 5 to 26% in Africa and is growing. Cigarettes are often a fraction of the price in Africa than in Europe.
• Most people in Africa were not eating enough vegetables and fruits. The rise of junk food and unhealthy diets has led to under nutrition and obesity.
• Averages of 35% of people were overweight and that the average time spent in moderate or high intensity physical activity is less. Women were more likely to be inactive and overweight.
• Governments in African countries should raise domestic financing mechanisms so they can accommodate this growing burden. Besides there is urgent need for reorganisation or reorientation of whole health system in Africa.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2016