NCDs Growing Faster in Rural Areas

The growth rate of certain non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is higher in rural areas when compared with cities, said an official at the Health Ministry on Saturday. “Based on screenings, obesity and overweight and excessive calorie intake which lead to various NCDs, are higher in rural areas,” said Dr. Nasser Kalantary, IRNA reported. The increase in rural rates is due to lack of awareness on the consequences of unhealthy lifestyles and dietary choices in rural communities. That is why health workers in the national health network have been focusing on educating the public on NCDs and their contributing factors, he said.