28 Jun 2015

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has embarked on a paradigm shift from curative to preventive services to address the risks brought about by these preventable diseases.

A press release from the health ministry stated that this followed concerns about the increasing number of preventable diseases, commonly known as Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Botswana.

The release said NCDs accounted for 37 per cent of the projected annual deaths in the country and had increased the chances of dying between ages 30 to 70 by 12 per cent. It said the four main NCD’s in Botswana include heart attacks and strokes, cancer, diabetes as well as asthma.

The release explains that preventive service was primarily about raising awareness, providing education on preventable diseases, and encouraging lifestyle. Healthy lifestyle meant avoiding risky behaviours such as excessive tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets and physical in-activity.

Unhealthy diets included eating food, which contained a lot of fat and salt that could lead to the best meals, were balanced diets with lots of vegetables especially green leafy vegetables that are not over-cooked.

Regular exercise on hand is as simple as taking a walk daily, jogging or joining health clubs which do health exercise such as yoga. Engaging in healthy lifestyle, eating plenty of vegetables and fruits, regular exercise can help reduce the chances of getting NCDs.

Meanwhile, the release stated that though the ministry efforts and focus will be on preventive services such as raising awareness through education and regular screening of disease for early detection; it would still offered curative services.

“Therefore, the public is urged to participate in this initiative and to remember that their health is also their responsibility,” the release said. Ends