Ministry Shifts It’s Focus To Non-Communicable Diseases
For the past three years, Botswana like other countries across the world, has been grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Saving Batswanaβs lives from COVID-19 is His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswanaβs reset agenda priority number one. Whereas COVID-19 still remains a present danger, the ministry is satisfied that ongoing public education about the disease and the gains made so far, put the country in a better state to respond to future disease waves, if they were to erupt.
Given the high burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country, the ministry will henceforth, give more focus than it has, to combating the scourge of NCDs. Recent research has shown that 46% of deaths in Botswana are due to NCDs. The recent Walk for life initiative that was led by the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Edwin G. Dikoloti, has kick started an aggressive campaign by the ministry, to educate Batswana about NCDs and appropriate preventative measures. Although all NCDs are cause for concern as they are some of the leading causes of deaths for most people in the country, the most prevalent NCDs in Botswana include hypertension, heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and several cancers. These diseases as well as other NCDs, are mainly exacerbated by unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking and harmful use of alcohol. Ninety five percent (95%) of Batswana are believed to eat unhealthy diets.
The ministry, therefore, advises Batswana to take personal responsibility for their health by amongst others, eating healthy diets and engaging in physical activity. As Minister Dr 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 possible infection by NCDs.
Ministry facilities across the country stand ready to advise and screen Batswana and residents of this country, for NCDs, as may be appropriate.
