16 Oct 2022

Health minister, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, on Saturday completed his 96.3km walk from Kanye to Gaborone.

Speaking at conclusion of the Walk for Life Campaign in Gaborone on Saturday, Dr Dikoloti said in view of the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), he decided to lead the campaign that started on Monday until Saturday.

The walk was aimed at intensifying commitment and response to the fight against NCDs as well as highlighting the importance of tackling NCDs through healthy eating and physical activity.

He said physical activity contributed to preventing and managing NCDs.

He said the historic event involved partners in the health sector, communities, civil society and the private sector.

“I have witnessed with pride, the active participation in this campaign by dikgosi, different ministers and MPs, councillors, Mophato wa Sekwena from Thamaga, Bomme ba Mogagolwane in Thamaga, Kumakwane and Gabane as well as all other national icons and various champions,” he said.

Dr Dikoloti said research showed that NCDs were responsible for 46 per cent of the total deaths, adding that Botswana NCDs risk factors survey of 2014 indicated that 20 per cent of Batswana did not engage in physical activity, while 30.6 per cent were overweight or obese while 95 per cent of Batswana consume unhealthy diet.

He said although a response to all other modifiable risks was promoted, the Walk for Life Campaign put emphasis on walking because of numerous benefits physical activity had for hearts and bodies.

Dr Dikoloti said he was pleased to have successfully led the campaign that sought to challenge individuals to promote healthy eating.

He said through the walk, they held health education sessions in various areas and preliminary report indicated that a total of 3 989 people were reached through and 1 824 were screened for various conditions.

“I wish to introduce and formally launch another physical activity promoting programme called the 10 000 steps challenge, to encourage more physical movement,” he said, adding the initiative was a step-counting initiative where participants tracked their daily step totals in an attempt to beat physical inactivity. ends