Non-Communicable Diseases Cause 60% of Deaths in Pakistan: WHO Report

A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report reveals that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for over 60% of annual deaths in Pakistan, Dawn newspaper reported yesterday. This alarming trend was highlighted during a national dialogue organized by the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) and the Ministry of National Health Services.

Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Health, emphasized the urgent need for preventive measures against NCDs, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Pakistan ranks first globally in diabetes prevalence, with the number of affected adults rising from 6.3 million in 2011 to an estimated 36 million in 2024.

Health experts at the event called for the implementation of Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) on ultra-processed foods to promote healthier consumer choices. They stressed that government action is essential to combat the rising NCD crisis and prioritize public health over corporate interests. The dialogue concluded with a unified call for immediate policy measures to address this pressing health issue.