健康英语新闻:Iran says it has taken steps to prevent, treat non-communicable diseases

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Mohammad Hossein Niknam, acting minister of health in international affairs of Iran, said here on Monday that his country is working to prevent and counteract the non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which have had significant effect on the population.

"NCDs have traditionally been more prevalent in affluent societies," he said. "However, they are increasingly becoming common in many developing countries, and in particular among the less affluent groups. The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) as others is suffering a heavy burden of NCD diseases and Iran is no exception: the total burden of disease for NCDs is 45 percent for males and 33 percent for females."

Niknam's statements came as he addressed the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Prevention and Control of Non- communicable Diseases.

"This timely high-level event provides us with an ideal platform to share views, information, ideas and experiences, to come up with remedial proposals and to forge effective collaborative partnerships in the implementation of realistic but effective health development programs in common areas of concern pertaining to the non-communicable diseases," Niknam said.

He explained that Iran is implementing a series of programs in order to reduce the frequency and impacts of NCDs.

"As part of these programs I would like to mention prevention and control of common NCDs risk factors, imposition of taxes to curtail unhealthy habits such as tobacco consumption, execution of mass public information and educational campaigns, fostering food industry regulations, screening of blood pressure levels and high glucosemia," he said.

Iran has created a Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factor Surveillance System, according to Niknam. This system, in place since 2004, has conducted six large-scale surveys to gather information helpful to public health.

"Further, comprehensive cumulative national data has been compiled based on age, sex and location to facilitate effective monitoring and implementation of policies geared towards control and prevention of NCDs," Niknam said.

Iran is conducting many other integrated NCD control and prevention programs, such as, to name a few, a Cardiovascular Diseases Control Program for rural areas; a National Cancer Control Program focusing on breast and colorectal cancers; and a Diabetes Control and Prevention Program that targets both rural and urban areas.

Niknam ended his statement by noting that Iran has held regional consultations on the NCD issue.

"I would like to conclude my remarks by mentioning that as a sign of its commitment to promote regional and international cooperation, the Islamic Republic of Iran hosted on 25-26 October 2010 in Tehran the first regional meeting of a series of the regional consultations held by WHO (World Health Organization) on the prevention and control of NCDs," he said. "In our understanding, only through closer and meaningful collaboration at all levels, especially in areas such as legislation, resource mobilization and information and knowledge sharing, we may success in our endeavor to prevent and combat NCDs."