DOH: 7 in 10 Filipino deaths due to noncommunicable diseases

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said seven out of 10 Filipino deaths were caused by noncommunicable diseases associated with unhealthy lifestyles.

According to the DOH, tobacco use contributed to more than 95,000 deaths annually, while excessive alcohol consumption was associated with over 27,000 deaths.

Meanwhile, more than 4,000 deaths were linked to high sugar consumption.

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READ: DOH seeks higher taxes on sweetened beverages, junk food

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“Seven out of every 10 Filipino deaths are caused by noncommunicable diseases, to which tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets are major contributors,” Dr. Lester Tan, DOH assistant secretary of health and head of the Local Health Systems Strengthening Cluster, said in a statement.

The DOH urged Congress to pass the sin tax reform and increase taxes on sin products, such as alcohol, tobacco, and sweetened products, to prevent lifestyle-related deaths.

READ: Tolentino: Regulate vape products before imposing more taxes

Senate Bill No. 1074 seeks to impose additional taxes on sin products, including e-cigarettes. It also aims to allocate the revenue collected to fund the implementation of the Universal Health Care law.

“We must raise taxes on harmful products to make them less affordable, reduce consumption, prevent premature deaths, and generate sustainable funding for Universal Health Care,” he said. /mcm