According to the WHO, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, are leading causes of deaths globally, accounting for as much as 71% of all deaths yearly[1]. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4 specifically seeks to reduce by one-third, premature mortality from NCDs by 2030 through prevention, treatment, and promoting mental health and well-being[2].
NCDs are diseases of long duration and are generally observed to arise from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. These diseases cannot be transmitted from one person to another (non-communicable).
There are several types of NCDs, but the four main kinds are:
Cardiovascular diseases (such as hypertension, heart attacks, and stroke)
Cancers
Chronic respiratory diseases (such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease i.e. chronic bronchitis, emphysema, etc.)
Diabetes
Further statistics by the WHO reveal that NCDs disproportionately affect people in Low- and Middle- Income Countries (including Nigeria), where more than three-quarters of the global NCD deaths occur. Though NCDs most commonly manifest in older age groups, the risk factors contributing to NCDs may be engaged in by people of all age groups. These risk factors include sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diets (high in salt, refined sugar, trans fats, low in fruits and vegetables), smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke, and harmful use of alcohol.
In Nigeria, the actual burden of NCDs is unknown, due to the dearth of data. It is however estimated that over 8 million Nigerians have glucose intolerance, while another 2.7 million are currently living with diabetes giving a 3.1% prevalence of the disease[3].
COVID-19 Disease
The COVID-19 disease is an infectious disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) which was first isolated in Wuhan, China in December 2019[4].
While most people infected with COVID-19 only experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and make a full recovery without requiring special treatment, the virus affects different people in different ways. The most common symptoms are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Less common symptoms are aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes. The most severe symptoms are difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, loss of speech or movement[3]. On the average, it takes 5–6 days from infection to manifestation of symptoms, but this can take up to 14 days. The disease spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It therefore requires that people practice proper respiratory etiquette, handwashing, and maintain physical distance. Currently, there are no vaccines for COVID-19. However, many ongoing clinical trials are evaluating potential vaccines and treatments while some drug trials are presenting promising results.
Non-Communicable Diseases and COVID-19
People with pre-existing NCDs have been found to be more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. The WHO in May 2020 conducted a rapid assessment of service delivery for NCDs during the COVID-19 pandemic with results emanating from 155 countries that in as many as 120 countries, the service delivery for NCDs had been partially or completely disrupted. Some of the reasons for these disruptions include:
Closure of population-level screening programs
NCD-related clinical staff deployed to provide COVID-19 relief
Insufficient PPE available for health care providers to provide services
Closure of out-patient NCD services as per government directive
Decrease in out-patient volume due to patients not presenting
The unavailability/stock-out of essential medicines, medical diagnostics, health products, etc.[4]
In many countries including Nigeria, there has been a chronic underinvestment in prevention, early diagnosis, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation for NCDs; in 2019, the healthcare needs of people living with NCDs were not fully responded to[4]. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging data from various countries have shown a higher risk of death for patients with comorbidities. For instance, in Italy 67% and 31% of all COVID-19 deaths had hypertension and Type 2 DM respectively. Similarly, in Spain, 43% of people with severe cases of the disease had existing cardiovascular diseases[4]. LMICs have been most affected by NCDs service disruptions and if unchecked, this will have an untold impact on the number of premature NCD mortalities in these countries[4].
Some countries have deployed strategies to mitigate the impact of the disruptions to service delivery for NCDs, these include the use of telemedicine, task shifting, innovative supply chain approaches for NCD medicines, etc. In order to strengthen country-level responses in the management of the NCDs-COVID-19 comorbidities, the WHO advises ministries of health to consider the following:
Strengthening governance for preparedness at regional and country levels by including NCDs and utilizing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and sustainable funding structures as the foundation
Monitor the access to/continuity of essential health services for NCDs and mental health at country and state levels
Use practical guidance for countries on the continuity of essential health and community services, including for NCDs, mental health, and substance-use disorders, with an emphasis on disease specific guidance
Review the emerging evidence related to NCDs and COVID-19, vulnerable populations, pathogenesis, and disease associations to determine implications for NCDs and mental health services and programs
Disaggregate data, modelling, and integrated surveillance to better understand at-risk populations
Identify areas of need and prioritize research and policies which drive for innovative solutions to meet such needs
Develop clear and user-friendly Information Education and Communication (IEC) messages on NCDs and COVID-19
Furthermore, persons who are living with NCDs are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain optimum bodily functions and boost immunity. Eating healthy diets, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, keeping physically active, quitting smoking, limiting or avoiding alcohol intake, and getting enough sleep are key components of a healthy life[3].
People living with or affected by NCDs are also encouraged to:
1. Continue taking their medications and follow medical advice
2. Secure a one-month supply of medications or longer if possible
3. Maintain a healthy diet
4. Quit smoking and avoid using coping strategies involving alcohol or drugs
5. Keep a distance of at least six feet from people with a cough, cold, or flu
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Grants and Business Development Specialist to join our organization. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities, developing grant proposals, and fostering partnerships with potential donors and stakeholders (regional and global). This role plays a vital part in securing funds and resources to support our organization’s mission and projects.
The consultant (working with the Accelerator team) will collect results from the tool, organize a meeting with stakeholders to discuss results from the tool, and produce a report on key findings and recommendations from the tool to be shared publicly.
We are currently in search of an experienced Public Health professional in Senegal to work on the anticipated Nutrition Capacity Development and Financing Platform and provide technical assistance to elevate nutrition financing and strengthen local capacity to support these efforts. The Associate must be bilingual (English and French).
