PNG facing silent epidemic

Papua New Guinea is facing a silent epidemic that is wreaking havoc on its population.
Diabetes, a disease characterised by high blood sugar levels, is rapidly becoming a major health concern.
The prevalence of diabetes in the country has reached alarming levels, necessitating urgent attention and effective preventive strategies to combat its devastating consequences.
Diabetes has become a looming threat to public health, with escalating rates that have caught the attention of health professionals and policymakers.
According to recent statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the prevalence of diabetes among adults in PNG rose from 8.3 per cent in 1980 to a staggering 22.9 per cent in 2019.
This rapid increase demonstrates the urgency in addressing the disease’s root causes and implementing preventive measures to ensure a healthier future for the nation.
Several factors contribute to the surge in diabetes cases in PNG.
Firstly, shifting dietary patterns, influenced by urbanisation and the introduction of processed foods, have resulted in increased consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient meals.
Additionally, sedentary lifestyles and a decrease in physical activity due to modernisation have led to a rise in obesity rates.
These factors collectively contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, which accounts for the majority of cases in the country.
PNG faces numerous challenges in combatting the diabetes epidemic. Limited access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, presents a significant hurdle in preventive efforts.
Insufficient awareness and education regarding diabetes among both the general population and medical practitioners further impede timely diagnosis and intervention.
Additionally, the scarcity of resources, including diagnostic tools and medications, hampers effective management and control of diabetes.
Comprehensive awareness campaigns targeting both urban and rural communities are vital to address the lack of knowledge about diabetes.
These initiatives should focus on promoting healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and lifestyle modifications to reduce the disease’s incidence.
Investing in the primary healthcare system is crucial to ensure accessible and affordable diabetes screening, regular check-ups, and early detection.
This includes training healthcare professionals to provide appropriate counselling, diagnosis, and management. Collaborating with local farmers, encouraging sustainable agriculture, and promoting traditional, nutrient-rich diets will help combat the rising consumption of processed foods and reduce obesity rates.
Promoting physical activity should be a priority among the population.
This can be achieved by integrating physical education programs in schools, developing community-based recreational facilities, and establishing walking and cycling paths.
The Government must implement policies that support healthier food environments, discourage the marketing of ultra-processed foods, and incentivise physical activity.
Taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages and unhealthy foods can be explored as potential measures.
Expanding the availability of diabetes screening tools, medications, and healthcare services, particularly in remote areas, is essential to address the prevailing inequalities in healthcare access.
The skyrocketing rates of diabetes in PNG pose a significant threat to the well-being and future of the nation.
However, by implementing comprehensive preventive strategies, PNG can tackle this crisis head-on.

Romel Kuman