Dr. Charles Kasozi (MBchB, Msc Disease Control), a specialist in disease control from Masaka regional referral hospital says that the prevalence of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is increasing worldwide. He notes that cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases are the three leading causes of chronic illnesses.
He goes on to say that the NCDs will continue to be on the increase because of globalization, urbanization, aging populations. However there is hope to rescue the situation if frontline health care is focused to prevention, screening, treatment and education of patients.
Masaka diocese has always been at the front in fight against NCDs. It has tried to ensure that all our health care centres at least provide first care towards the treatment of NCDs.That includes screening and testing.
The diocese has partnered with various stakeholders in the campaign against the NCDs. Among these are the government bodies and Non-government organizations. Life Net International is a dedicated partner who has come out in the campaign against these life threatening diseases. It has facilitated over 20 lower level health units in tracking, screening and management of the NCDs. It has conducted over 135 outreaches and screened over 8929 people. It was discovered that over 1892 people were at risk.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
The Cardiovascular disease include:
- Angina
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
Way forward
- The prevalence of the NCDs continues to thrive yet there is a knowledge gap about the NCD causes and effects. So there is need for a joint effort to fight the NCDs
- All patients should be assessed for CVD risk whenever they visit a health facility
- Acute illnesses should be managed prior to addressing regular chronic diseases
- Patients that are severely ill should be urgently referred after giving emergency treatments
- There is need for continuous sensitization about NCDs especially those brought about by poor health habits
- There is need for more funding into the sensitization and treatment campaigns to combat the NCDs
