The Economic Impacts of Non-Communicable Diseases: A Threat to The Sustainable Development Goals
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Date
2019
Authors
Haastrup, E.A
Onwuama, M.A.C
Adelowo, A.B.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of International Council for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to highlight the present socio-economic impact of the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD) on most countries of the world, and how such rising trend poses one of the greatest threats to the actualization of the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa. The rising prevalence of NCD in many parts of the world has been identified as a threat not only to human health and wellbeing, but also to the sustainability of human development and economic growth. More than before, economists are increasingly expressing concern that the rising threat of NCD will result in a worldwide long-term negative macroeconomic impact on the quality and quantity of human resources, capital accumulation and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the consequences most severe in the developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the costs to health-care systems from NCD are already high; while significant costs to individuals, families, businesses, and governments are even higher, adding up to major negative macroeconomic impacts on most societies of the world. The greatest effect of NCD falls increasingly on the low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), and on the poorer people within all countries, mirroring the underlying socioeconomic determinants. This situation, if unchallenged, will likely threaten the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, with consequences far beyond the capacity of most African countries. In conclusion, in order to avoid another set of failed developmental goals in Africa, the threat of NCD must be given all the seriousness it deserved at the highest level. As pointed out by any authorities, the best approach is to focus on preventive measures that effectively tackles the unhealthy risk factors implicated in the rising prevalence of NCD. This can be done partly through effective health education that focuses on lifestyle intervention.
Description
Scholarly articles
Keywords
Non-communicable diseases (NCD) , Gross Domestic Product (GDP) , Sustainable Development Goals , Health education , Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Education
Citation
Haastrup, E.A., Onwuama, M.A.C., & Adelowo, A.B. (2019). The Economic Impacts of Non-Communicable Diseases: A Threat to The Sustainable Development Goals. Journal of International Council for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance. 5(1). 162-170