How can the church help address non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?

The rising number of non-communicable disease (NCDs) is a global health challenge. According to WHO, non-communicable diseases account for 38 million of the 56 million deaths each year. That is more than half of the cause. This includes cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung diseases. Of all death due to NCDs in low to middle income countries, 48% were considered premature deaths as they occurred before the age of 70. More than 80% of premature heart disease, stroke and diabetes can be prevented (WHO, 2015).

In the church community, clergy are not spared from NCD. A 2013 survey among United Methodist pastors in the US showed “40% of respondents are obese and 39% are overweight—much higher percentages than a demographically-matched sample of U.S. adults. Nearly 51% have high cholesterol, also much higher than comparable benchmarks” (GBOPHB, 2013).

Here in the Philippines, of the total deaths in 2008, “57% are due to the ‘fatal four’ NCDs, namely cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease. It is estimated that 35 to 50 percent of NCD deaths occurred before age 60 years. (WPRO, 2015). Aside from modifiable death, NCD is cause of poverty and hindrance to economic development. A growing number of individuals, families and communities has been burdened by this problem. Common modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, inactivity, obesity, raised blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol underlie the major NCDs. (WPRO, 2015).

In a local survey we did among pastors in the United Methodist Church in the Visayas, it showed that all clergy respondents were found to have at least 1 risk factor for developing NCD. Most of them are either hypertensive or overweight.
Health promotion can address the problem brought by Non-communicable diseases. Health promotion empowers people to take control of their health (WHO, 1986) The NCD threat can be overcome using existing knowledge. The solutions are highly cost-effective. Comprehensive and integrated action at country level, led by governments, is the means to achieve success. (WHO, 2015)

Health promotion requires all sectors to cooperate in creating an environment conducive to health.  This is something the religious sector can do. Health promotion should be the focus of church health ministries. Health education and information is one subject area of health promotion (WHO, 1986). Increasing people’s knowledge about health gives them a good foundation for making health choices. Churches can be the venue for health education.

Health promotion also can also increase access to health. Health promotion advocates for health policies in the local, regional and national level. Churches can even have their own policies advocating for health. Example will be the kind of food served during church potluck or fellowships. Health promotion also includes promotion of healthy behavior patterns. Churches are in a position to influence their members to take care of their body by avoiding healthy risk behaviors. Health promotion can also occur in strengthening networks with other organizations as a social support for each other in maintaining good health of the community (WHO, 1986).

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