Noncommunicable disease is the new epidemic

There is also the need for increased research into preventable measures for NCDs. Following an interview with Ms Carole Renouf, CEO National Breast Cancer Foundation, the Sydney Morning Herald reported (17 May 2013) that in Australia, a Cancer Australia audit reported that across all cancer research, funding in Australia (2003-2005) only 5 per cent was dedicated to prevention. Further, that this follows the international trend of countries including the US, UK and Canada.

Evidencing the importance of NCD research, last April Australian scientists moved one step closer to a blood test for Alzheimers, the leading cause of dementia. The CSIRO reported this is of great significance as a quarter of a million Australians currently suffer from dementia and given our ageing population, this is predicted to increase to one million people by 2050.

In Australia with an election looming, parties and candidates need to consider the burden of NCDs – a growing health issue. It is also a human rights issues and a consequence for economic and social development.

Given the scope and diversity of issues associated with NCDs, there is the need to not only allocate funds internally but also strategically look further afield and work collaboratively in partnership with the international community to find global solutions to this alarming global health problem. Further, in the pursuit of equal rights for all there is the need to address growing national inequalities and between countries, triggered by the burden of NDCs. Simply, while there are indeed national interests to consider, there is also the need for coherent global solidarity to address what is fast becoming a global health tsunami.