Chronic Disease Brief For Africa (November 2017) By Dara Oloyede

Nigeria: Aronchies Pharmaceutical Limited  Provides Free Diabetes Screenings

Kenya Leads in Child Nutrition

Malawi: The Need for Education for Early Detection of Cancer 

Tanzania: Institutional Commitment to Reducing NCD’s

Zimbabwe:  Diabetes Poses a High Threat to Women 

 

Nigeria: Aronchies Pharmaceutical Limited Provides Free Diabetes Screenings

In honor of World Diabetes Day on November 14th, the Aronchies Pharmaceutical Limited organized free diabetes screenings in Lagos State. This screening and awareness campaign was executed to raise awareness about the growing burden and threat of diabetes. Adebayo Afon, who is the Managing Director of this organization, explained that diabetes was a result of the body's inability to break down glucose in the body, rather than just the result of consuming sugar. One of the pharmacists at the event, Vivian Aneto, noted that people were excited about the screening event, and also about learning about their status and how to be healthy (Ogungbe, 2017).

For more information check out this article at allafrica.com: Nigeria: Aronchies Offers Free Diabetes Screening to Ajah Residents

 

Kenya Leads in Child Nutrition

According to the World Health Organization children in Kenya have the best diets on the continent. Kenya is the only country where child nutrition data is available and has 20% over the minimum acceptable diet proportion. The average consumption is 8.6% over the minimum acceptable diet proportion. Only seven African nations have met the minimum recommended dietary standard for about 30% of children in the same age groups. This year the number of overweight children on the continent has increased by over 50% (Machuka, 2017).

For more information check out this article at allafrica.com: Kenya Leads in Child Nutrition 

Also, check out the direct report by the World Health Organization: Nutrition in the WHO African Region 

 

Malawi: The Need for Education for Early Detection of Cancer  

The increase in the prevalence of both cervical and breast cancer is linked with low awareness and education about cervical and breast cancer. This barrier puts many women at risk, especially those in rural areas. A 2008 study from the WHO reported that Malawi has the highest incidences of cervical cancer. The Malawi cancer registry in 2010 showed than cervical cancer accounted for 45% of all types of cancers. Every year there are more than 2,300 new cases of cervical cancer and up to 1,600 women die from the disease. Women who are between the ages of 15-49 are particularly vulnerable to developing cervical cancer. The impact of cancer in Malawi is largely due to lack of awareness and education about early detection and treatment. Dr. Chikwapulo, who is the district Health Officer for Salmina, emphasizes that there is an important need to encourage women to seek cancer screenings (Itai, 2017). 

For more information, check out this article at allafrica.com: Malawi: Beating Cancer Threat Through Early Detection

 

Tanzania: Institutional Commitment to Reducing NCD’s

The Tanzanian government made a commitment to ensure that non-communicable diseases drop by 30% in 2030. Tanzania is ranked 8th among African nations with a high prevalence of diabetes. For this year’s International Diabetes day the ministry of health worked with the Tanzania Diabetes Association to perform free diabetes screenings at two secondary schools in the city. Additionally, they plan on conducting free screenings at a regional and district level.  Free screenings were also conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital. Dr. Mohamed, who is the head of the diabetes unit at the hospital, urges that Tanzanians should take more preventative measures such as eating healthy foods, exercising, going for medical checkups, and stopping any smoking (Namkwahe, 2017). 

For more information check out this article at allafrica.com: Tanzania: Gov’t Stresses War On Chronic Diseases

 

Zimbabwe:  Diabetes Poses a High Threat to Women  

Over 175,000 Zimbabweans die from diabetes complications yearly and 50% of those affected are women. Globally, diabetes ranks as the 9th leading cause of death for women, resulting in 2.1 million deaths per year. The Zimbabwe Diabetes Association (ZDA) urges women to eat healthier and take contraceptives as recommended. ZDA provides free testing and treatment to those with diabetes in the region. Dr. Mangwiro, who works with the association, noted that about 1 in every 10 women have diabetes, and half the women who have diabetes are not aware of their condition and how it’s triggered by what they consume and the contraceptives they use. Experts say that low socio-economic conditions affects access to health care for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment for women and girls (Charamba & Muzavazi, 2017).

For more information check out this article at allafrica.com: Zimbabwe: Diabetes - Resisting Junk Food Could Be the Answer

 

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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