Let us introspect in our everyday habits - Madigele :: Mmegi Online

The Minister of Health and Wellness (MoH&W), Dr Alfred Madigele has called on the public to introspect in their everyday habits and their implications on their health status. Speaking at the press conference for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Gaborone recently, the minister pointed out that world was facing challenges in issues of health and economy.

He explained that NCDs including stroke, hypertension, cancers, diabetes and chronic lung diseases causes almost 70% of all deaths worldwide saying that they claim more lives than HIV, TB and Malaria combined. He said they were considered a threat to global development. “Botswana like other countries has a large burden of NCDs, given dual burden of rapid development as well as high prevalence of HIV which is associated with some NCDs.

“According to Non Communicable Diseases risk factors survey, (Steps survey) of 2014 in Botswana, 29% of the adult population had hypertension, five percent had diabetes and many were not aware that they had the diseases. 18% adults smoke, five percent consume alcohol at harmful levels and 30% are obese,” he said.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.