Emergence of Non Communicable Diseases in Sri Lanka

Dr. Lakshmi C. SomatungaDirector/Non Communicable Diseases

Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka

Facing the Challenge

Trends in Hospital Mortality(Deaths per 100,000 pop)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1980 1990 2000

CirculatoryDiseasesNeoplasms

Injuries

InfectiousDiseases

Demography

• Transition in the demographic profileIncreasing trend in the proportion of the older

age groups• Median age 21.3 yrs until 1981

– 25.6 yrs by 1994 (Demo. Survey 1994)

Life expectancy at birth» 70.7 for males» 75.4 for females

Life Style Changes in Sri Lanka

Tobacco Use• National level statistics –Around 25%

prevalence among males

• < 1% among females (So far)

• Around 80% of smoked tobacco used as cigarettes

Life Style Changes in Sri Lanka continues;

• Diet• Traditionally; Rice and curry are staples of the Sri Lankan diet;

favorite dishes include "mallung," consisting of Greeny leafy Veg,coconut, red onions, and lime,

• The Trend;fast food chains, No cooking at home

• Increased consumption of animal fats• Consumption of salty,sugary and fatty snacks

• Do we eat adequate vegetables?

• Is it available at reasonable cost?

• Do we have a habit of consuming fruits every day?

Food Consumption Pattern(Per capita per day)

Wheat-based food

Urban

Rural

1978

348.6

301.9

1996

371.6

413.6

Meat Urban

Rural

9.8

3.1

10.7

4.5

Eggs Urban

Rural

3.9

2.2

6.9

4.6

Life Style Changes in Sri Lanka continues;

• Diet

• Consumption of Fruits (per day)

– 71% <1 serving – 21% 1 serving– 8% 2 or more

(Survey by NCD Unit, Ministry of Health, 2003)

Life Style Changes in Sri Lanka continues;

• Physical Activity• All occurring within a

context of reduced levels of physical activity

• (Cricket is the trademark spectator sport. People keep watching for hours but, not engaged in sport for a few minutes)

• Clean Air

• Those days in-built Physical Activity

Facing the challenge;

Guiding Principle

Prevention is the most cost effective way

Facing the challenge;

Strategic Objective

To promote healthy life style

across the life span

General Objective

To launch an integrated NCD prevention programme

in Sri Lanka

Key Result Areas

• Coordination between sectors• Behavioral change among children• Community, exposed to correct messages• Quality of management of major NCD

improved• Systematic collection of information for

action – Surveillance improved• Demand for prevention is created

Routine Activities Achieved/On-going

• Establishment of a NCD prevention and control network

• Train professionals on issues related to tobacco

• Incorporate NCD prevention into existing school curriculum

• Mobilizing youth towards prevention of NCD• Piloting the WHO Stepwise approach for NCD

surveillance• Strengthen health clubs in the schools• Produce and distribute media materials on

NCD prevention• Tobacco & Alcohol bill passed in the

parliament

Major Activities

• Establishment of a NCD surveillance mechanism (A national NCD risk factor survey is being conducted in Sept- Nov 2006 and thereafter to repeat in every 5 years)

• Launching of an island-wide Social Marketing Programme

Major Activities planned for year 2007;

• Formulation of National NCD Policy and Strategy

• Development of National Action Plan on Prevention and Control of major NCD

• Printing Text book insert for school children on promoting Healthy Lifestyle to prevent NCD

THANK YOU