In the second series paper, researchers led by Professor Ruth Bonita from the University of Auckland in New Zealand outline how to implement measures to control tobacco use, reduce levels of salt intake (to reduce blood pressure) across the whole population, and provide appropriate drug treatment for all people who have had a heart attack or stroke or who are at high risk of one.

These interventions could cost governments in the poorest nations as little as US$1·00–$2·00 per head and significantly reduce deaths and disability from NCDs in all countries.

This compares favourably with the staggering $7 trillion that NCDs could cost low-income and middle-income countries between 2011 and 2025 if intervention efforts remain ineffective, state the authors, adding that, “donor and country financing, especially additional taxes on tobacco and other harmful products, can provide the resources needed.”

According to Bonita, “the goal of this paper is to encourage countries—especially those with scarce resources—to maintain an initial focus on a few high-priority cost-effective interventions that will bring the greatest health benefits to all.” Cutting back on salt represents the perfect example—reducing intake by 15%, if sustained over 10 years, could result in 8·5 million fewer deaths in the 23 countries that account for 80% of the global NCD burden. 

“Strong leadership and an ability to resist pressure to expand the range of interventions will be needed. Widespread coverage of the proposals, together with supportive multisectoral action, will ensure that the 25 by 25 goal is met”, she adds.

Source: Lancet