Busoga Health Forum launches NCDs awareness campaign
By Tatumwa Desmond Benjamin
Many people are living a sedentary lifestyle due to the kind of work they do, thereby, posing a high risk of developing Non-Communicable Diseases.
On Thursday, October 20, 2022, Busoga Health forum launched a campaign to create awareness about Non-Communicable Diseases among people living sedentary lifestyles. The first NCD community outreach took place at Stanbic bank, Iganga branch. The activity involved giving health talks, screening, and referral for NCDs caused due to physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets.
Ms. Harriet Mwesigwa, the bank manager, appreciated Busoga Health Forum and Hope and Healing Center for the initiative of reaching out to them. She noted: “moving forward, we shall take this as a routine activity.”
The Busoga Health Forum team led by Dr. Isaac Mubezi, the CEO of Hope and Healing Center, carried out the health talks and screening of NCDs at Stanbic bank. Dr. Mubezi challenged the bankers to have health-seeking habits because once NCDs are detected at an early stage they are reversible.
According to the World Health Organization, NCDs kill about 41 million people each year, equivalent to 74% of all deaths globally. About 17 million people die from an NCD before the age of 70. 86% of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle–income countries.
People of all age groups, regions, and countries can be affected by NCDs.
Dr. Mubezi said that the management of NCDs includes detecting, screening, and treating; most importantly, prevention through regular exercise and eating healthy diets, among others. Individuals with unhealthy life habits are susceptible to intermediate risk factors such as; raised blood pressure, being overweight or obese, high blood sugar levels, and high levels of fat in the body.
To influence and encourage healthy habits, Busoga Health Forum started a healthy fitness hour for the members of the organization and the community members.
Non -communicable diseases are diseases that cannot be passed from person to person but may develop in one’s body due to different causes; some within an individual’s control and some not. The 2030 agenda for sustainable development recognizes NCDs as major challenges to development.
