Addressing chronic disease in the South Caucasus

The conference officially opened on November 29 at the Tbilisi Marriott and it will last till November 30. The two-day event is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It will focus on disseminating best practices in primary prevention and care.

During the conference discussion will focus on the global burden of chronic ailments such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and cancer, as well as the specific impact of non-communicable diseases on the health status of people in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

Mission Director of USAID Robert Wilson said the WHO has been leading international efforts to develop public help strategy targeted at prevention, early detection and intervention on chronic diseases and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Worldwide, approximately 60 percent of all deaths are caused by chronic diseases. In Eastern Europe, that number is in excess of 85 percent and threatens to drain already limited healthcare resources and funding.

"This conference is a pretty serious evet because it gives us an opportunity to share examples and good practice considering chronic diseases. WHO Regional Office for Europe said that theproblem of chronic diseases is very serious in Europe, and the same is true in Georgia. Chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and cancer are not only genetic, but can be caused by a person's life and social conditions. Thus our chief purpose is to establish effective methods for primary prevention and management of chronic conditions," Deputy Minister of Labor, Health and Social Affairs Nikoloz Pruidze told The Messenger on Wednesday.

Officials from the ministries of health of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, AIHA staff and partners, USAID representatives and healthcare professionals working with local and international health-related organizations are participating in the event. The Messenger