The world health organization, WHO, in a new report says Noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are increasingly becoming the main cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the report, the diseases were responsible for 37% of deaths in 2019, rising from 24% in 2000 due to weaknesses in critical control measures including prevention, diagnosis and care.

The report by the UN health agency is coming on the heels of a high-level heads of state and health leaders meeting in Ghana to find ways of accelerating progress against noncommunicable diseases.

In Africa, between 50% and 88% of deaths in seven countries, mostly small island nations, are due to noncommunicable disease, according to the 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) Noncommunicable Disease Progress Monitor.

Our guest today is Prebo Barango, Medical Officer Non communicable diseases with WHO Africa regional office.