14 Jul 2014

The ongoing non-communicable diseases risk factor survey is a proactive stance by the Ministry of Health on preventative measures.

Speaking at a press conference at Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital in Maun recently, the Ngamiland District Health Management Team (DHMT) Public Health Specialist, Dr Christopher Chembe said non communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes were rampant and silent killers.

He said studies showed that by 2030 a lot of people will die due to hypertension and diabetes. He added that these diseases were problematic since people could suffer from them without realising it, resulting in late diagnosis.

Furthermore, he said the survey which started in July 7, targeted between 16 and 64 year-olds and aims to achieve the preventative measure instead of waiting for patients to go to health facilities which is mainly for curative purposes.

Dr Chembe said from July 7, DHMT started to sensitise the Ngamiland community about the survey for the consent of participants is needed, while the survey will be conducted between July 14 and end in August 31, adding it was a nationwide survey.

In the Ngamiland district, the survey will take place in Shorobe settlement in 25 yards, Sehithwa in 22 yards, Goroku in 21 yards and Maun in 198 yards.

He said the survey was purported to collect data on non-communicable disease risk factors to help plan programmes and interventions. Dr Chembe said the survey will also bear immediate results for people diagnosed with risk factors and would be recommended to go to health facilities.

He said they were working with partners such as Ngamiland Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (NCONGO), Red Cross, BONEPWA, Tebelopele, Traditional Practitioners and Junior and senior secondary schools. Ends