Continue offering NCD health services, State urged
The Ministry of Health, Kenya Cardiac Society and the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Alliance of Kenya have called for continuity of essential health services for heart diseases, diabetes and cancer, among others, which are still the leading causes of death worldwide.
Speaking during the stakeholder webinar co-organised with Pfizer’s Upjohn Division, Dr Catherine Karekezi, member of the NCD Alliance of Kenya, said there is need to increase public awareness campaigns and interventions to reduce risk factors and the burden of cardiovascular diseases in Kenya
“During this period where people are being encouraged to stay at home, we urge all to keep active and do regular physical activities at home, avoid unhealthy diet and food as well as refrain from excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco use to evade a surge of NCD illnesses once the pandemic is over,” she said.
Dr. Ephantus Maree from the Ministry of Health said the government is committed to ensuring the continuity of the Universal Health Coverage programme so that other diseases are not relegated to the back burner as it fights Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Bernard Gitura, President, Kenya Cardiac Society, urged Kenyans not to shy away from seeking essential health services during the ongoing pandemic.
