ACHEST’S DR. OKELLO APPOINTED TO THE INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COMMMITTEE OF THE FEDERATION FOR NCDs.

Dr. David Okello Director Health Systems-ACHESTThe ACHEST Director of Health Systems and Health Promotion, Dr. David Okello has been appointed to the International Advisory Committee of the World Federation for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

The committee is tasked with overseeing the functioning of the Center of Excellence for Evidence Based Research on NCDS in low-and-middle income countries; and the utilization of the evidence generated through systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

In the course of its work, the committee is expected to bear in mind the international, regional and national priorities with a focus on local engagement. Dr. Okello was appointed to the committee alongside 16 other global health experts. Commenting on this opportunity, Dr. Okello remarked: “the assignment presents excellent opportunity to share knowledge and promote south to south collaboration in promoting the global action needed to stem the silent epidemic of NCDs in low-and middle -income countries”

According to the World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases ), NCDs kill 41 million people each year, and 77% of all NCD deaths are in low- and middle-income countries.

Cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths, followed by cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets all increase the risk of dying from the non.

Health promotion and disease prevention, through healthy eating and physical activity; early detection, screening and treatment; are key components of the response to NCDs.