Asian nations discuss measures to tackle non-communicable diseases
Asian nations discuss measures to tackle non-communicable dietary diseases
An international workshop on tackling diet-related non-communicable diseases in Asia opened in Hanoi for the first time on November 19, bringing together experts from 12 countries, including China, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Hanoi (VNA) – An international workshop on tackling diet-related non-communicablediseases in Asia opened in Hanoi for the first time on November 19, bringingtogether experts from 12 countries, including China, Sri Lanka, India,Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
In his remarks at theevent, Greg Hallen – Programme Leader of the Food, Environment, and Healthprogramme at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) from Canada –said non-communicable diseases caused 15 million deaths in developing countriesin 2015, 3.8 million higher than that of 2000. These countries are facing up tovarious financial issues to provide health care services in general and preventnon-communicable diseases in particular, he said.
An unhealthy dietaccounted for more than 19 percent of deaths worldwide caused bynon-communicable diseases in 2017. It was also behind nearly 70 percent of deathsfrom coronary artery disease.
At the workshop,experts raised concern over the rise of diet-related non-communicable diseasesamong young people, which could lead to greater economic burden on society inthe long run. However, there are very few studies on diet-relatednon-communicable diseases conducted in developing countries, indeed mostmedical evidence for this type of disease originate from more developednations.
It is necessary tocarry out studies on a larger scale across Asia to analyse the development ofthe diseases and thereby develop appropriate and sustainable medicalintervention measures.
Rapid economic growthand urbanisation have changed people’s eating habits in a negative way, saidProf. Dang Duc Anh, Director of the National Institute of Hygiene andEpidemiology. It is never too late or too early to seriously reconsider andtake action to improve food safety and change the way people view and selectcertain foods, he added.
The workshop will runthrough until November 22. –VNA
Diagnosis and management of outpatient treatment of non-communicable diseases like hypertension at commune-level health stations will be the focus of the Project on Strengthening Management of Hypertension and Diabetes at Commune Health Station and Communication on Salt Use Reduction.
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The Ministry of Health held a seminar in Hanoi on November 8 on Vietnam’s international commitments to preventing the harmful effects of alcohol and beer, as well as the recommendations from international organisations towards the draft law on the prevention and combat of alcohol abuse.
Global trends in health policies and practical access in the context of the rapidly aging population were topics of discussion at a forum on health care on November 13 in Hanoi.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
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The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
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International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
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The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
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Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
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The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Illustrative photo (Source: News Protein) 
