WHAT ARE NCDs?

These are non infectious diseases that are not transmitted from one person to another.

The commonest in Uganda are four:

1. Heart and blood circulation diseases like High blood pressure and strokes.

2. Cancers.

3.Chronic respiratory disease & Asthma.

4. Diabetes type 2

The burden of NCDs in Uganda as per study in 2019

– They are causing premature deaths (dying before the age of 70 yrs.).

– 33 % of the total deaths are due to NCDs

– For every Ugandan citizen, the probability of dying prematurely from one of the four main NCDs is 22%

RISK FACTORS FOR NCDs IN UGANDA

1. TOBACCO SMOKING

2. HARMFUL ALCOHOL USE: EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

3. UNHEALTHY DIET: TAKING TOO MUCH SUGARY FOODS AND DRINKS, EATING TOO MUCH SALT, AND LACK OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

4. INSUFFICIENT PHYSICAL EXERCISES LEADING TO OVER WEIGHT AND OBESITY

PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF NCDS

1. THE 2015 TOBACCO ACT. PROHIBITION OF PUBLIC SMOKING AND ADVERTS TO PROMOTE TOBACCO SMOKING IN UGANDA

2. HIGH TAXES ON THESE UNHEALTHY PRODUCTS LIKE TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, AND SUGAR SWEETENED BEVERAGES

THUS, REDUCING THEIR CONSUMPTION

3. MAINTAINING AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

4. PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS ON DANGERS OF NCDS

5. EARLY DETECTION, SCREENING AND EARLY TREATMENT OF NCDS

6. UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE INSURANCE COVERAGE