Non-communicable diseases have become one of the major global health challenges. As estimated by the World Health Organization, they take 71 percent of all deaths worldwide. These life conditions include cancers, diabetes, heart diseases, obesity, and stroke, which one may have to live with all through their lifetime. Therefore, there is a greater need felt for the strategizing of their prevention and early intervention.
The Ministry of Health research shows that in developing countries, such as Rwanda, the burden of NCDs is increasingly becoming high; for instance, 59% of deaths in Rwanda are caused by NCDs. This therefore means that NCDs have a great impact in developing nations, including Rwanda, where the increase in the numbers of deaths due to these conditions has become an issue of concern.
According to Sylvestre Iradukunda, the public health officer at the Pharmacy Students Association, NCDs are particularly worrying because they affect the victims for the rest of their lives and, above all, need proactive measures of prevention. He emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors, including proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and regular health checkups, to reduce the risk of such diseases.
“From WHO statistics, 71% of all deaths in the world are caused by NCDs, and 80% of the deaths occur in developing countries,” Iradukunda said. This shows that many countries still face significant challenges in addressing these diseases.
In Rwanda, as in other places, many people continue to suffer from NCDs without knowing they have them, leading to delayed medical intervention. Janvier, who is living with diabetes, spoke of the importance of early testing to understand one’s health status. “I delayed finding out I had diabetes, and by the time I decided to seek medical help, it was too late. If people test early, they can better understand their health and take action sooner,” he said.
Besides the ongoing awareness campaigns on testing and adherence to precaution by other groups, including Rwanda NCDs Alliance, engage in encouraging all citizens. Dukeshimana Patient, who works as the communication officer in that alliance, clarified that they intend for “the public to be empowered toward knowing their statuses and taking preCaution.
Experts note that NCDs can be caused by a variety of factors relating to poor dietary intake, insufficient physical activity, and unhealthy behavior. Thus, good health requires access to appropriate healthcare services and personal responsibility in the prevention of these diseases through healthy lifestyle choices.
The better the understanding of the risks by the people and taking responsibility for the prevention of NCDs, the better the overall health of a country. Some of the strategies that may help reduce the burden of these diseases and decrease the growing number of related deaths include early testing, regular physical activity, and improved nutrition.
