MANILA, Philippines – Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — or chronic diseases such as cancer, respiratory diseases, heart diseases, stroke, and diabetes — account for nearly 9 out of 10 deaths in the Western Pacific region, a new study from the World Health Organization (WHO) found.

The region saw a shift in the causes of deaths, which were previously mainly due to communicable, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional conditions — such as childhood stunting — and injuries.

The main culprits? Increased alcohol and tobacco consumption.

“Alcohol consumption in this region rose about 40% from 2000 and 2015. Good news is after that we [saw a] decrease… and then the tobacco consumption is [on a] decrease, however, the rate is higher than the global average,” Dr. Kidong Park, director of data, strategy, and innovation at the WHO, said in a press briefing on Thursday, October 10.

In the region, alcohol consumption stood at 6.1 liters per capita per year in 2019. This means a person aged 15 and older is estimated to drink as much as 6 liters of alcohol yearly.

Meanwhile, the WHO noted 22.5% of adults in 2022 were smokers. While the data is down from the 28% recorded in 2000, it was still beyond the global average of 20.9%.

The study also found that the Philippines is one of the four countries that saw an increase in premature deaths or deaths before the age of 70 due to NCDs. The other nations are Papua New Guinea, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Solomon Islands.

Drinking alcohol is entrenched in Filipino culture. A 2022 study showed Filipinos drink more during Undas season or the All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day holidays. Even the growing middle class now prefers more expensive imported alcohol.

Meanwhile, smokers in the country are getting younger and younger — with some students aged 10 to 15 years old already having tried e-cigarettes or vape.

“Previously, health is the absence of sickness… but in a non-infectious disease world, I think it’s more of gradual, meaning you don’t have symptoms, but if you don’t have a good lifestyle, good environment, I think your health slowly deteriorates,” said Dr. Hiromasa Okayasu, director of Healthy Environments and Populations at the WHO.

“By the time that we realize there is some pain or problem, usually it’s a little bit too late. NCD is the result of a long-time environment, genetic, and behavioral factors,” he added.

The WHO noted climate- and environment-related health concerns as the air quality levels in the region “are still much worse than the WHO-recommended levels.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Susan Mercado, WHO Director of Programme Management, noted how factors in day-to-day living have affected health outcomes.

For instance, being dependent on processed food instead of opting for fresh home-cooked meals have ramped up obesity rates. “There are industries and businesses that will continue to promote products and ways of life that go against health,” Mercado said.

She added that these commercial determinants would have to be addressed through policies and regulations.

The WHO has recommended the increase of taxes for tobacco, while calling on governments to be wary of e-cigarettes, as regulation remains “quite loose.”

“We are really encouraging our member states to be aware of the potential harm of these new products and then start sort of including them in the regulation or ban it, if possible,” Okayasu said. – Rappler.com