by Kiwiana Ngabung – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) commonly progress slowly throughout a long period of time; and are not passed from person to person. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the NCDs are by far the leading cause of death in the world, with 80 percent of NCD deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
The Pacific Community (SPC) has come up with a creative way to focus on the impact of NCDs in the region by launching the “Focus on NCDs in the Pacific” initiative. This is a regional photography competition providing photographers the opportunity to portray the impact of NCDs on Pacific nation economies and homes, and how they can be prevented and managed.
Pacific Community Non-Communicable Diseases Team Leader, Dr Si thu Win Tin, encourages everyone from Pacific countries and territories to enter.
“The photo competition is all about showcasing the challenges non-communicable diseases pose for people living in the Pacific and the role each person can play in preventing these diseases.”
There are four main categories for an entrant to enter their images into:
1. NCD Prevention
2. Social Impacts of NCDs
3. Links Between Our Environment and NCDs
4. Culture and NCD Prevention
A participant’s entry/entries will be displayed across a number of platforms, including; social media, and print publications to support Pacific Community’s health campaigns.
The winner of each category will receive a Wi-Fi connected fitness wristband to track daily physical activity.
“A picture is worth a thousand words. This is your chance to show the world how NCDs are affecting your country, and how Pacific people are rising to address this challenge,” says Dr Si Thu Win Tin.
The competition closes on January 15, 2017.
For more information about the competition click here, or contact Ms Solene Bertrand on email: SoleneB@spc.int.
Source: The Pacific Community
