National health integrated campaign launched

KEETMANSHOOP – Political leaders, community members and learners gathered in Keetmanshoop to witness the launch of the National Integrated Campaign for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and observe Oral Health Day.

In her keynote address, health deputy minister Susan Ndjaleka bemoaned that, “across our communities, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases are affecting more and more families, parents, workers, young people, households, incomes and quality of life”.

She added that the encouraging reality is that much can be done through prevention and early detection.

The !Nami#Nus constituency councillor continued: “That is why, during this campaign, we are bringing together services that are too often approached separately.

Hence, I am encouraging everyone to make use of these services (checking blood pressure and blood glucose levels, oral health screening and health promotion)”.

Ndjaleka then informed those present that oral and other non-communicable diseases are sharing several common risk factors, including unhealthy diets, high sugar consumption and the harmful use of alcohol and tobacco products.

Turning the attention to oral health, she said, “It goes far beyond having a beautiful smile. It also influences our ability to eat, speak, learn, work and interact confidently with others”.

She also felt every interaction the community made with the country’s health system should become an opportunity for prevention.

“Let this campaign, therefore, remind every Namibian that prevention begins with knowledge, but it succeeds through action,’’ the politician said in conclusion.

Delivering his welcoming remarks, Keetmanshoop mayor Emrico Blaauw said this main initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening integrated, comprehensive and people-centred health services.

It further promotes prevention, early detection, treatment and management of NCDs and oral health conditions.

“It also demonstrates the government’s continued dedication towards improving healthcare and providing quality healthcare services to people,” he added.

In light thereof, the town’s first citizen called on government, partners and the civil society to accelerate the implementation of national oral health strategies, strengthen workforce capacity and expand access to essential health services.

Keetmanshoop State Hospital senior medical officer Mkapila Bandora expressed profound gratitude towards the //Kharas regional health organising team.

She said, without their tireless efforts, the event would not have been possible.

“We also encourage community members of Keetmanshoop and the region as a whole to carry forward the messages shared today on healthy eating, physical activity, oral hygiene and cancer screenings at your various environments as of now,” he said.

-sklukowski@nepc.com.na

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