Survey of non-communicable diseases launched
Statistics on non-communicable diseases survey 2015 launched on Friday are scary with high health risk factors.
There is need to enhance health through proper diet to save the Kenyan population and create health awareness through regular and proper health checkups.
According to the Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Cleopa Mailu the Kenya Step way survey on non-communicable diseases is based on truths and facts in the Country concerning the health of citizens, the survey is the first ever to be conducted.
“While infectious diseases still remain a significant cause of disease and death, the incidents and mortality from non-communicable diseases is rising rapidly resulting in a double burden of diseases.” remarked Mailu.
Dr. Mailu explained that non-communicable diseases are straining the Kenyan health systems and therefore there is need to change the strategy to tackle them.
The Step way survey conducted on Kenyans between ages 19-39 indicates that 28 % are obese most them due to affluence. 34% of Kenyans visited the dentist for oral health whereas 13% of Kenyans consume tobacco as well as involved in heavy drinking, and 11% of women access cervical cancer screening for early diagnosis.
“Non-communicable diseases are thus a serious setback for attainment of social health and economic target if no proper interventions are put in place to cut down on risk factors,” Mailu added.
Harmful use of alcohol and tobacco are other key contributors to ill health and a lot has yet to be done to curb it for instance strengthening the tobacco act across the country.
The Ministry of Agriculture is also in the process to roll out health programmes that will improve health by encouraging citizens to include traditional foods in their diet always.
The Health Ministry is also spearheading various multi-sectoral collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, NTSA, and Kenya traffic and WHO to ensure that all the pillars of the decade of action on safety commitments are well implemented.
The report further indicates that women are notorious of not using safety belts and therefore women and men alike have been urged to embrace personal safety to reduce injuries and ensure road safety.
