Experts discuss sustainable solutions to growing Non-Communicable Disease crisis in Developing Nations

A two-day international conference on ‘Lifestyle Diseases in the Developing World: Perspectives, Current Status and Future Challenges’ opened, this morning, in Moka, bringing together international researchers, policymakers and healthcare experts to discuss the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in developing nations.

The conference was attended by the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, Dr Kaviraj Sharma Sukon; the Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research Mauritius (JSSAHERM), Professor (Dr) Praveen Mohadeb; the Director General of Non- Aligned Movement Science & Technology Centre (NAM S&T) New Delhi, India, Dr Amitava Bandopadhyay; as well as other personalities.

Organised jointly by the JSSAHERM and NAM S&T, the conference aims to foster dialogue on the management of rising NCDs, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, and gender disparities in health outcomes.

Over the two days, participants will deliberate on several key themes including the epidemiology of lifestyle diseases in developing countries, nutrition transition and urbanisation, youth mental health and sedentary lifestyles, integrative approaches to NCD prevention, health system strengthening, digital health and AI for disease management, as well as women and NCDs.

In his address, Minister Sukon highlighted that lifestyle diseases are responsible for nearly three-quarters of deaths worldwide. He noted that diabetes is expected to affect around 640 million people globally by 2030, while approximately 20% of the Mauritian population is already living with the disease. According to the Minister, the growing consumption of fast food remains a key factor contributing to the rise in lifestyle-related illnesses.

He indicated that the organisation of such conferences plays an essential role in raising awareness and educating the public about the risks associated with unhealthy lifestyles and poor eating habits. He also spoke of plans to establish a Diabetes Research Centre dedicated to DNA sequencing and the identification of genetic markers, with the aim of improving citizens’ quality of life.

“Prevention is the smartest investment any country can make,” Minister Sukon stated, stressing the importance of early detection and personalised medicine in reducing the increasing burden of disease. He underlined that effective health management begins with individuals themselves and called for greater public awareness and personal responsibility in adopting healthier lifestyles.

The Minister further highlighted the growing role of technology in healthcare, noting that smartwatches, mobile health applications, artificial intelligence, and robotics are revolutionising disease management and enhancing treatment effectiveness.

Minister Sukon underscored the need for research to become an integral component of the healthcare system. He emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary research and collaboration in tackling national health challenges, urging researchers and institutions to work together to develop practical and sustainable solutions. He added that the conference’s findings and recommendations should be widely disseminated and translated into concrete actions.

For his part, Professor Mohadeb highlighted that rapid urbanisation, technological progress, and changing lifestyles have profoundly influenced disease patterns worldwide. He observed that diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and hypertension are increasingly impacting individuals, families, and communities across the globe.

According to him, the conference aims to explore practical and sustainable solutions to address these growing public health challenges. He also underlined the importance of adopting a multisectoral approach to combat lifestyle-related diseases, with a strong focus on prevention, public awareness, and enhanced community participation.

As for Dr Bandopadhyay, he expressed confidence that the conference discussions would foster scientific collaboration, professional networking, and actionable recommendations to enhance public health outcomes in developing countries. He further noted that strengthening international partnerships and encouraging the exchange of knowledge would help promote healthier lifestyles and more resilient healthcare systems across the developing world.

14 May 2026

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Topics: Health

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