Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases and Emerging Attention in Gandaki Province, Nepal

Non-communicable diseases have become a major health challenge globally, including in Nepal. Deaths due to non-communicable diseases in Nepal are increasing, accounting more than half of total deaths. Major contributors to deaths due to non-communicable diseases include cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, digestive diseases such as pancreatitis and cirrhosis of liver, and diabetes. To address this, Gandaki Province organized integrated screening sessions for non-communicable diseases covering 2,976 high-risk individuals aged 40 years and above from six districts. The preliminary findings of screenings revealed a high prevalence of hypertension, high blood sugar, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Designating Falgun as the month for the non-communicable diseases screening campaign throughout the country helps in promoting awareness, screening, and management of these diseases through effective coordination and resource allocation for successful impact.