COVID-19: People with NCDS to suffer severe cases - WHO

COVID-19|HEALTH|NCDS|DEATH

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reiterated in a new report that people with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as hypertension and diabetes, are more likely to suffer severe cases of COVID-19 and die.

Preliminary findings from the global health body in 14 African countries revealed that hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and asthma are the co-morbidities most associated with COVID-19 patients.

This is because most governments have prioritised response to COVID-19 and leaving out health services for NCDs, yet these chronic conditions require continuous treatment.

The WHO, in its latest advisory, warned that the continent could lose millions of people who suffer from NCDs, should they get exposed to COVID-19.

According to the findings, half of COVID-19 deaths in Kenya occurred in people with NCDs, while in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, such patients accounted for 85% of all COVID-19 deaths.

In South Africa, which accounts for nearly half of all cases and deaths on the continent, 61% of the COVID-19 patients in hospitals had hypertension and 52% had diabetes.

Of these, 45% of the people aged 60-69 years who died from COVID-19 also had hypertension.

"Millions of Africans living with non-communicable diseases are at greater risk of complications or dying from COVID-19. So it is very concerning to find that just when people with hypertension and other chronic conditions most need support, many are being left out in the cold," Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO regional director for Africa, said.

WHO recommends controlling the use of tobacco and alcohol, saying both increase the risk of NCDs.

It is also important to ensure quality primary care and referral systems to help people get the right treatment at the right time.