According to Dr. Kremlins Vikramsingh, regional advisor to WHO on nutrition and physical activity, 41 million people die each year from chronic non-communicable diseases, accounting for 74% of all deaths on the planet.
The main cause of NCDs is an unhealthy lifestyle, the expert notes. Research shows that genetic factors influence life expectancy by only 7%, while the remaining 93% is determined by each person's lifestyle, including that of Kyrgyz citizens.
However, as revealed by the national STEPS survey - 2023, most Kyrgyz citizens neglect their health. The survey involved 2,483 people aged 18 to 69, including 1,627 women and 856 men, with 60% of them aged 40-69.
It was found that one in three adults suffers from high blood pressure, and among people aged 40-69, this figure reaches 50%. One in six adults has a blood pressure above 160/100 mmHg, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that 29% of the population has never measured their blood pressure (38% among men and over 19% among women). Deputy Minister of Health Bubuzhan Arykbaeva proposed providing opportunities for blood pressure measurement in workplaces, as blood pressure monitors are not very expensive and the procedure takes little time. This could help prevent serious consequences.
According to a representative of the WHO Regional Office, smoking is one of the most aggressive risk factors, causing up to 15 types of cancer. More than 36% of deaths among men with cancer are related to smoking. In Kyrgyzstan, 95% of lung cancer patients operated on at the National Oncology Center are smokers. Given that cigarettes have become more affordable over the past five years, this issue requires attention.
Previously, measures had already been taken in the country to combat NCDs, including the "Emergency Cardiology" program, which has helped save many lives. Nevertheless, the health status of the population has not improved: cardiovascular diseases still account for more than 50% of all deaths in the country, equivalent to 18,000 lives a year. These figures are shocking and demand immediate action.
According to the Minister of Health of Kyrgyzstan Erkin Checheybaev, many of these ailments can be prevented by changing lifestyle and reducing the impact of harmful habits.
The Ministry of Health presented a new approach to combating NCDs as part of the National Strategy aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality. As the minister noted, strict measures alone are not enough; it is also necessary to focus on eliminating the main risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, excess sugar and salt, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity.
Erkin Checheybaev emphasized that combating NCDs requires a comprehensive approach and active participation from the entire society. Issues related to strokes, heart attacks, oncology, and diabetes fall on the healthcare system; however, the prevention of these diseases is outside its competence. This includes raising excise taxes on harmful products, restrictions on their sale, and creating a favorable environment for leading a healthy lifestyle.
Joint solutions must be made by all interested ministries and agencies. The Ministry of Economy has already proposed increasing taxes on alcoholic products, and work on raising excise taxes on tobacco and sugary drinks is ongoing. In collaboration with WHO experts, it is planned to complete the development of the National Strategy for NCDs by the end of the year and approve it in 2026.
According to the new investment justification prepared by the Ministry of Health and WHO, every som invested in preventive measures can yield more than 10 soms in economic returns over 15 years, save more than 87,000 lives, and restore 34.4 billion soms in labor productivity.
Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov, who attended the meeting, also supported the idea of raising prices on alcohol and tobacco by 1.5-2 times.
The minister added that a complete ban on electronic cigarettes and vapes has been introduced in Kyrgyzstan, which is a significant achievement. However, excise taxes on cigarettes need to be raised, as their price has become more affordable even for teenagers. For example, a pack of cigarettes costs about 150 soms, while in other countries, including Russia and Kazakhstan, prices are significantly higher. Some are concerned that raising excise taxes may lead to an increase in smuggling, but the minister assures that the relevant authorities should combat this phenomenon.
He cited the example of Uruguay, which, by taking measures against tobacco companies, successfully reduced tobacco consumption and cancer rates. In Kyrgyzstan, it is also necessary to continue the fight against tobacco products despite resistance from producers.
Thus, the emphasis is placed on disease prevention, which will help reduce morbidity and mortality from NCDs and, consequently, increase life expectancy. This will also free up resources for the budget.
Figures and Facts
Most residents of Kyrgyzstan face risk factors affecting health: alcohol, smoking, excessive consumption of salt and sugar, poor nutrition, and low physical activity.
Only about 6% of respondents do not have risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Almost 76% of the population does not consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables according to WHO.
At least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 times a week is recommended; however, more than 68% of the population does not engage in regular physical exercise. Among women, this figure is even higher - 92.8%.
56% of respondents are overweight, with more than 20% suffering from obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²).
The blood sugar level above 7.0 mmol/L or those taking diabetes medications accounts for almost 6% of the population, and among people aged 40-69, it is nearly 10%.
According to the STEPS survey, more than 17% of the population of Kyrgyzstan smokes. According to a WHO survey among youth, one in five smoking children started before the age of 7.
5.6% of respondents reported that in the last month they had at least once consumed six or more alcoholic drinks at one time.
