An estimated 35 million deaths occur each year due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs),equating to 80% of all deaths globally in low and middle income countries, says Dr. Patrick Idoko, a consultant, obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH).

Speaking at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi during the recently held annual scientific meeting organised by The Gambia Medical and Dental Association, in collaboration with Urolink Britain, Dr. Idoko noted that these diseases are expected to accelerate to 15% in 10 years; thus increasing the global burden of diseases especially in developing countries.

“Moreover on the crucial issue of diabetes, which is one of the top 10 killers in NCDs, it has great impact on poverty rate, gender inequality, maternal and child mortality and mobility. Two out of every five women with diabetes are of reproductive age,” he stated.

Adding her voice to the previous speaker, the secretary of the Association, Dr. Effua Usuf, who gave the vote of thanks at the annual meeting, commended the various partners and participants, as well as the minister of Health and Social Welfare, Fatim Badjie for their full support to the organisation.