Malawi's NCD Alliance Urges Healthy Lifestyles as NCDs Cause 32% of Deaths

As Malawi grapples with the rising tide of NCDs, initiatives like these aim to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives.

A community member screens for hypertension

KARONGA, Malawi — The Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance Malawi is calling on citizens to take charge of their health through healthier lifestyles, as NCDs now account for 32% of deaths in the country, writes Lusekero Mhango.

Chimwemwe Banda, Project Officer for the organization, emphasized the importance of diet and exercise during a weekend awareness event in Lupaso, Paramount Chief Kyungu's area.

"Taking charge of our health by eating well and staying active is the key to preventing non-communicable diseases and ensuring a long, healthy life," Banda said.

Luckson Chipiko, NCD Coordinator for Karonga, revealed a sharp increase in NCD cases, with over 6,000 recorded in the past two years compared to about 1,500 in 2021/2022.

"The sharp rise in NCD cases is a concern for the district, especially regarding hypertension and diabetes.

Hence, we urge people to embrace physical activities as they are key to preventing and managing NCDs," he explained.

The awareness campaign, which included a football bonanza and health screenings, is part of a project supported by the World Diabetic Foundation through Partners in Health and the Ministry of Health.

Linda Mwandenga, a participant in the hypertension screening, praised the alliance for bringing awareness to rural areas where NCD knowledge is limited.

As Malawi grapples with the rising tide of NCDs, initiatives like these aim to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives and reduce the burden of these diseases on individuals and the healthcare system.

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