COMMONWEALTH HEADS WANT MAJOR DISEASES TO BE A GLOBAL CONCERN

From Muin Abdul Majid

PORT OF SPAIN (Trinidad and Tobago), Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Commonwealth
leaders meeting here feel that efforts to stem the rising tide of
non-communicable ailments such as heart diseases, diabetes and cancer should be
made part of global developmental goals.


Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said the matter was raised Saturday
during their retreat session at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
(CHOGM) 2009 being held in this Caribbean port city.

"They're of the view that the impacts of the three diseases are being felt
not only in developed countries but also among developing nations.

"As such, they see the need for a more effective programme and a concerted
effort to address the issue," he told Malaysian journalists at the end of
Saturday's proceedings.

Under CHOGM 2009 special theme of "Partnering For a More Equitable and
Sustainable Future", Najib said the leaders discussed the concerns of developing
nations in Africa and the Caribbean amid the current global economic downturn.

According to the prime minister, many of them had to grapple with reduced
demand for their exports.

Najib said they also faced difficulty in exporting agricultural commodities
such as bananas to markets like the European Union.

"They also say that financial institutions like the World Bank don't appear
to be helping them much," he said.

The leaders also wanted governments to give more focus on youth-related
issues.

"They feel that there's a need to enhance education and vocational training
programmes," he said, adding that the leaders also favoured giving access to
credit and providing business opportunities to young people.
-- BERNAMA