‘Non-communicable diseases can be curbed'

New Delhi: With non-communicable diseases causing an estimated 7.9 million deaths annually in Southeast Asia, the World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday called for intervention from multiple sectors including health, education and food and nutrition to curb the trend.

"The reported burden of non-communicable diseases in Southeast Asia is just the tip of the iceberg.

"A public health approach with appropriate research is urgently needed to bring this invisible portion to our attention for action," said Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO regional director for southeast Asia.