Non-Communicable Diseases, NCD are one of the challenges that remains a major issue throughout the world. In Brunei Darussalam, nearly 85 percent of deaths among adults were from non-communicable diseases. The Minister of Health stated the matter at the launching of the ‘Brunei Darussalam Multisectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, Bru-Map NCD 2021 to 2025’. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar said treatment cost for patients with NCD is high, not only to patients but also to national expenditure, the health system, and the global economy. Yang Berhormat added response towards NCD prevention and control require integrated measures from all levels specifically from the aspects of policy, health system, community action in the country as well as individual behaviour.

The Minister also stated that the Multisectoral Task Force for Health not only provides collective leadership and guidance for all sectors and stakeholders, it also ensures the integration of NCD preventive action especially on matters pertaining to related policies, programmes or services.

The publication of ‘BruMap-NCD 2021 to 2025’ aimed to identify new actions to prevent and control NCD that are suitable based on assessments that have been made. Aside from that, it also aimed to strengthen the application of the Whole of Nation approach in preventing and controlling NCD in the country.

The function coincided with an introduction to an online health education platform for the Workplace and Health Programme and a Stop Smoking Campaign, Quit2Win Ramadhan for smokers.

Source: Radio Television Brunei