Healthy lifestyle helps avoid Non-Communicable Diseases
Health and Wellness Minister, Dorcus Makgato says the prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases has been the greatest public health threat to the country’s development in the last few decades.
Makgato was giving a public lecture titled, ‘Social Determinants of Health: Time to Act,’ at the University of Botswana Conference Centre last week. She said World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics show that an estimated 63 per cent of deaths across the world are due to NCDs particularly cardiovascular diseases at 48 per cent.
Cancers account for 21 per cent, chronic respiratory diseases 12 per cent and diabetes 3.5 per cent. Makgato said in recognition of this burden and the threat of NCDs, the Ministry is developing the National Strategic and Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs.The Action Plan is expected to result in a significant reduction in the burden of preventable morbidity and disability and premature mortality due to NCDs and injuries. “What is of great concern is that more and more people are developing these conditions at a much younger age, because of unhealthy lifestyle choices. As policy makers, we have to put strategies in place to combat the incidence of these debilitating illnesses to improve the health of our population,” she said.
She added that a “whole society approach” was needed to tackle the problem.“Our aim is to build alliances with various groups to promote physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing, which will enhance the quality of life of our people by empowering individuals and communities to make good decisions for their health,” she said.
“The more people take preventive steps to safeguard their health such as engaging in physical activity, the less visits they will make to health facilities due to these NCDs. This investment will ultimately improve the quality of life,” Makgato advised.
She insisted that behavioural changes that are necessary to realise the health and wellness of a nation must be rooted and grounded in education. “We are cognisant that education is key to implementing such changes, which are more effective when provided through multiple methods and sites, such as schools, workplaces, mass media and health centres. Educational messages, we believe, are also more effective when they are reinforced by positive and suitably appropriate action,” the Minister asserted.
NCDs are of long duration and generally slow progression. The four main types of such diseases are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma), and diabetes. According to the World Health Organidation, there are a number of modifiable health risk factors that are attributed to the presence and prevalence of NCDs. These are tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and the harmful use of alcohol. These factors all increase the risk of NCDs.
“It is important to note that NCDs carry a huge cost,” said Makgato, adding that a large chunk of the ministry’s budget is spent on NCDs. She said that NCDs carry a burdensome cost on families and caregivers who are tasked with caring for persons suffering from NCDs.“It is imperative that we develop healthy lifestyle choices and practices early so as to avoid falling prey to NCDs.”
