Modern stresses contribute to GDP loss, says expert

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The growing incidence of cancer, respiratory ailments and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) could cost the country up to 6 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030 unless the government is able to reduce associated factors such as traffic congestion, pollution and other stresses.

At present, the impact of NCDs on the local economy was estimated at 3.5 percent to 4 percent of GDP, according to Peter Sheehan, research director at Australia’s Victoria Institute of Strategic Economic Studies.

NCDs, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are also known as chronic diseases which are not passed from person to person. The four main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma), and diabetes.

Sheehan noted that the economic losses continued to rise given the growing number of factors fueling the prevalence of NCDs, such as traffic congestion, pollution, stress, globalization-induced stresses, different views among religions and communities, among other things. Lack of adequate access to healthcare was also deemed a factor.

The latest WHO data showed that NCDs kill 38 million people each year worldwide, and almost three quarters of the NCD deaths (roughly 28 million) occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Health Undersecretary Kenneth Hartigan-Go said the Philippine government recognizes the need to address these health concerns, recognizing that promoting the good health of its people is critical to increasing productivity and quality of life in the Asia Pacific region.

Apec meeting

Health officials from the member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) are currently meeting here to review the results of health-related initiatives across the region, and to come up with recommendations to present to the Apec Leaders Meeting, which will be held in Manila in November.

According to Go, the discussions hope to identify priority actions to create a roadmap for the “Healthy Asia Pacific 2020 Initiative.”

Gender concerns, too

In meetings last week, the region’s policy makers also finalized a gender “Policy Toolkit” or checklist to help governments, companies and nongovernment organizations remove barriers to women’s ability to enter, remain and rise in the labor force. The tool kit will be launched in Manila in September.

“We believe the workforce is much affected if we don’t engage in women’s health. It was identified as a neglected issue not just here in the Philippines,” Go said.

The health official said governments should ensure the safety of the workplace for women and step up protective measures against gender-based violence and harassment.

Women should also have access to information on family planning and reproductive health, and access to good quality health services, Go said.

In a statement, Health Secretary Janette Garin stressed the economic benefits of women’s emancipation.

“Higher rates of female labor force participation would also counter shrinking labor pools due to variable birth rates and rapidly aging populations” and support Apec’s “broader trade and investment agenda.” Amy R. Remo