18 Oct 2022

Every time someone dies in Botswana, there is a 50 percent chance their death could be due to a non-communicable disease (NCD). 

This has led the government to now prioritise fight against NCDs, says a press release from the Ministry of Health. 

The release says recent research has shown that up to 46 percent of deaths occurring in Botswana are due to NCDs, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes type 2 and respiratory diseases. 

Government, it says, recently launched an aggressive education campaign aimed at educating the population about NCDs. 

Health minister Dr Edwin Dikoloti kick-started the campaign with the Walk for Life initiative recently, says the release. 

It says mainly unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking and harmful use of alcohol exacerbate the diseases. 

A frightening 95 per cent of Batswana are believed to eat unhealthy diets, says the release. 

The ministry therefore, advises Batswana to take personal responsibility for their health by amongst others, eating healthily and engaging in physical activity. 

“As Minister Dikoloti advised at the closing of the Walk for Life campaign, each Motswana and resident of this country is encouraged to walk a minimum of 10 000 steps per day. 

This will keep their body fit,” and save their health from attacks by NCDs says the release. 

It further says MoH facilities across the country are ready to advise and screen Batswana and country residents for NCDs. ends