WHO warns that NCDs claim 400,000 Thai lives annually, causing massive economic impact
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a concerning health situation report, stating that non-communicable diseases, known as NCDs, are the primary cause of premature deaths among a large number of Thai people each year.
NCDs consist of several major diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease. These conditions are often caused by daily lifestyle habits, such as improper diet, lack of exercise, and accumulated stress.
Data indicates that 400,000 Thai people die from these diseases annually. This not only affects the patients' families but also inflicts damage on the national economy, amounting to 1.6 trillion baht per year due to medical treatment costs and the loss of the working-age labor force.
This situation is considered a major challenge for the Thai public health system, and relevant agencies are accelerating campaigns to encourage the public to pay more attention to their health in order to reduce the risk of disease and alleviate the long-term economic burden.
Adjusting health behaviors by choosing nutritious food, exercising regularly, and undergoing annual health check-ups are essential approaches that will help Thai people stay away from NCDs and enjoy a better quality of life.