22 December
MYANMAR is evolving into a people-based system, because people are the most effective resource in our system to benefit the country and the people, with a new policy giving priority to raising awareness about health, prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases, school health, safety of patients, and health research.
Health is the first priority for all-round development of our people, because no one can properly use his or her abilities without good health.
Hence, people are urged to participate in the public health system by learning how to nurture children by learning the do’s and don’ts of good health for children.
Since the beginning of December, mass walking and physical exercise activities have been held every Saturday nationwide. This does not mean we should exercise every Saturday in the winter, but it alerted all people not to ignore physical exercise in their daily lives.
Walking is the easiest, cheapest and most effective exercise that benefits our health. A morning walk and a cold shower afterwards is refreshing and rejuvenating, keeping us light hearted and agile the entire day.
Exercise can also prevent the transmission of non-communicable diseases, which are collectively responsible for more than half of all morbidity and mortality in Myanmar. Almost 70% of all deaths worldwide are from non-communicable diseases.
With regards to the leading causes of NCDs mortality, Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Cancer and chronic respiratory diseases represent the majority of non-communicable disease deaths.
Everyone in Myanmar lives a healthy and productive life- free of avoidable disability and premature death due to non-communicable diseases. The Ministry of Health and Sports in Myanmar has consistently focused on addressing NCDs. Non-communicable diseases have been recognized as a public health priority in NHP (2011-2016) as well as in the new NHP (2017-2021).
The Package of Essential NCD interventions (PEN) has been implemented nationwide, including screenings for Hypertension, Diabetes, CVD and treatment of uncomplicated cases, along with the early detection and referral of oral, breast and cervical cancers by BHS (Butler Health System), which mainly target people living in rural areas.
Myanmar aspires to achieve, as part of its vision 2030, a healthier and productive population. However, for the aspiration to be fulfilled, there is much work that needs to be done, both in terms of Health System Strengthening (HSS) and in changing peoples’ behaviors, such as regularly exercising, including walking.
Universal coverage requires the involvement of all sectors of society. Myanmar should ensure that UHC (Universal Health Coverage) meets the needs and aspirations of Myanmar’s people, with their participation.
GNLM
