The noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) dominate among the common illnesses in Moldova and exert considerable pressure on the national health system. The main among these are the cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and mental health disorders. Noncommunicable diseases account for 80% of all the deaths in Moldova and are responsible for four in ten cases of primary disability, IPN reports.

In a draft national program for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases for 2023-2027, which was published for public consultations, the Ministry of Health says the Republic of Moldova is among the countries with the highest general death rate in the European region. Compared with the regional average, mortality through cardiovascular diseases is two times higher. Cancers are on the ascent, while the digestive disorders generate the highest death rates in the region.

According to the Ministry of Health, the human and financial costs of noncommunicable diseases are high and are expected to increase together with the aging of the population. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic further revealed the importance of preventing and controlling NCDs given that over 90% of the persons who died due to this infection had chronic comorbidies.

Health authorities note that NCDs are primarily the result of the lifestyle and unhealthy behaviors. Tobacco and alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and polluted air are among the most influential factors. The strategies for reducing these risk factors and the influence of health behaviors can prevent a considerable number of premature deaths caused by NCOs.

The authorities aim to reduce premature deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases, cancers, digestive disorders, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases by 25% until 2025 and by 30% until 2030. They also aim to reduce noxious alcohol consumption among persons aged 15 and over by 5% and the prevalence of current cigarette smoking among teens and adults by 3%.