By Wendy Mkandawire
The Global Week for Action on Non-Communicable Diseases has started today, with the NCD Alliance Malawi calling for stronger leadership and increased action to prevent and manage the diseases.
The week, running from 31 August to 4 September, is focusing on turning commitments made by leaders into concrete action to address the burden of non communicable diseases.
Non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory diseases, are long-term conditions that are not spread from person to person.
Major risk factors include unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption.
According to the Chairperson of NCD Alliance Malawi, Maud Mwakasungula, Malawi has made progress in expanding NCD services through primary healthcare facilities and district hospitals, but more action is needed.
Mwakasungula said that people should have easier access to basic screening services such as blood pressure, blood glucose, and weight checks at primary healthcare facilities.
She says the Alliance is also mobilising communities with information on how to prevent and manage NCDs, while advocating for improved access to services.
Mwakasungula has therefore called for stronger leadership and sustained investment in NCD prevention, screening and treatment, particularly to ensure that people in underserved communities are not left behind
This year the non communicable global week is being commemorated under the theme , Leadership In focus from commitment to deliver.
