Chronic Disease Brief For Africa (December 2017) By Dara Oloyede
Lagos State Committed to Reducing NCDs
Tanzania to Launch Cervical Cancer Vaccinations
Nigeria: Hypertension—Leading Cause of Sudden Death
South Africa: Promoting the Health of Taxi Drivers
Men Have a Higher Rate of Suicide Than Women
Lagos State Committed to Reducing NCDs
The Lagos government has reaffirmed its dedication to decreasing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (Ifijeh, 2017). Dr. Olufemi Onanuga, who is the special adviser to the governor on primary health care, noted that the burden of these diseases is high and it is causing a strain to the health system. He stated that the government remains committed to implementing effective preventative measures against diseases and empowering people to take care of their health. The government has plans to ramp up community advocacy for these interventions. Additionally, healthcare facilities in the state are being renovated and prepared to assess and treat the NCDS needs of the community (Ifijeh, 2017).
For more information check out this article at thisdaylive.com: Lagos Restates Commitment to Reduction of Non Communicable Diseases
Tanzania to Launch Cervical Cancer Vaccinations
Ms. Ummy Mwalimu, the Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, stated that the Tanzanian government will provide vaccines for cervical cancer beginning on April, 2018 (Mugarula, 2017). Already the ministry has submitted a proposal for a permit from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). The ministry would like to vaccines to be given to girls between the ages of 9-13 years (Mugarula, 2017).
For more information check out this article at allafrica.com: Tanzania: Cervical Cancer Fight Hots Up
Nigeria: Hypertension—Leading Cause of Sudden Death
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) found that high blood pressure was the leading cause of death in Nigeria, accounting for about 52% of sudden deaths (Ejifoma, 2017). The Director-General of NIMR, Professor Babatunde Salako, stated hypertension is a silent disease in which most people are not aware of. He advises that Nigerians eat healthy, exercise, and have regular blood pressure checks. Other members of the organization urge that they update national surveillance guidelines to better study and report sudden deaths (Ejifoma, 2017).
For more information check out this article at thisdaylive.com: NIMR-Hypertension Leading Cause of Sudden death in Nigeria
South Africa: Promoting the Health of Taxi Drivers
The Departments of Health and Transport and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) have signed a pledge to improve the taxi industry (allafrica.com). This pledge launched the creation of the PHILA Taxi Industry campaign, which is a health promotion program. The Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, urges taxi drivers to prioritize their health and live healthier lifestyles. The Minister also stated that many South Africans suffer from a multitude of diseases due to unhealthy lifestyles, such as non-communicable diseases. He advises that drivers go regularly for health check-ups and reduce their consumption of alcohol, sugar drinks and fatty foods. The government is also considering bringing clinics closer to taxi stations to encourage taxi drivers to seek services (allafrica.com).
For more information check out this article at allafrica.com: South Africa: Taxi Drivers talk health
Men Have a Higher Rate of Suicide Than Women
Suicide is public health problem that can be prevented. Risk factors vary across age, gender, and ethnic group (Kiunguyu, 2017). According to data from the WHO (2015) men have been reported to have a higher suicide rate than women. Data from the continent shows that, Equatorial Guinea ranks 7th in the world for highest suicides among men, followed by Cote d’Ivoire (8th) and Angola (9th). This report also notes that this data might be skewed due to under-reporting or unreported incidences of suicide (Kiunguyu, 2017).
For more information check out this article at thisisafrica.me: Broken Men: Males have a higher suicide rate than females
Dara Oloyede is the African News Correspondent for Engage Africa Foundation, and she is pursuing her Masters of Public Health. During her free time she likes to read books, spend time with friends, go to the movies, concerts, as well as events that celebrate different cultures.
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