Cases of high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes are overwhelming Namibia, minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula says.
During a State House visit with the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, Shangula yesterday said these lifestyle, non-communicable diseases are “another problem which is coming up”.
The minister said communicable diseases like tuberculosis (TB), malaria and HIV have been contained.
“So, now the ratio between communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases is about 50:50,” he said.
Communicable diseases comprise infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and measles, while non-communicable diseases are mostly chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.
The WHO has estimated that non-communicable diseases account for 41% of all deaths in Namibia.
During a week-long campaign at Walvis Bay, 387 people were tested for hypertension, of which 167 suffered from elevated blood pressure.
Among these individuals, 117 were unaware of their condition.
Shangula previously explained to The Namibian that the risk factors for high blood pressure include old-age, genetics, obesity, an inactive lifestyle, a diet high in salt and the excessive use of alcohol.
“Many people may not be aware that they suffer from hypertension as they may not feel symptoms. Hypertension can be dangerous if not treated. Complications include strokes, heart attacks and other medical problems,” he saidd.
Ghebreyesus told Shangula this would become the focus of the WHO’s office in Namibia.
“Since this is your focus, we will focus on that, and we will help and then primary healthcare on this is the key,” he said.
Ghebreyesus asked president Hage Geingob to lobby his fellow African heads of state to ratify the African Medicine Agency and the Pandemic Accord.
The global accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response is based on the lessons learned during the outbreak of Covid-19, Ghebreyesus said.
“We are working hard to bring a strategic solution to the problems we have faced during the pandemic,” he said.
The African Medicine Agency (AMA) will be established as a dedicated African Union-specialised organisation focused on improving access to quality, safe and effective medical products on the continent.
“It is important to bring the continent together to ensure Africa’s interests are represented,” Ghebreyesus said.
As of August this year, 37 countries have formally supported the AMA treaty, including 26 ratifications, the latest being Kenya, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ghebreyesus said Geingob is one of the leaders on the continent who has shown leadership – especially during the pandemic.
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