Addressing Cardiovascular Disease – A Global Employer's Approach to Non Communicable Diseases

Abstract

Abstract Non-Communicable Diseases – The Global Emergency "Cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases are no longer the diseases of the wealthy. Today, they hamper the people and the economies of the poorest populations even more than infectious diseases. This represents a public health emergency in slow motion." UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon Non-communicable diseases cause 60% of all deaths globally, 80% of which are in low- and middle-income countries and are a major cause of poverty, a barrier to economic development, and a neglected global emergency1. These diseases, and their associated risks, negatively impact productivity, medical costs and safety. In September 2011, the United Nations General Assembly convened a high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases - cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic lung diseases. Chevron is tackling non-communicable diseases, specifically cardiovascular disease and diabetes, by modeling workforce programs after our successful communicable disease initiatives. This integration of our focus in global public health to include the non-communicable diseases is consistent with Chevron's holistic approach to health. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global public health issue – According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CVDs are the number one cause of death globally2. The WHO predicts that by 2030, almost 24 million people will die from CVDs, mainly from heart disease and stroke. Low- and middle-income countries are disproportionally affected with deaths occurring almost equally in men and women. Taken in combination with an aging workforce, these statistics are alarming and make strategic sense for Chevron to address CVDs and their preventable and treatable risk factors.