There has been an increase in chronic diseases or non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Zambia over the recent years that include Cardiovascular disease, Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus (Type II), Cancers, Chronic respiratory diseases, epilepsy among others (Annual bulletin ministry of health Zambia 2012). Non-communicable diseases or chronic disease according to the United Nations (UN) is a disease or medical condition that is non-infectious and non-transmissible (2018). At a global scale NCDs kill 41 million people each year equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally. The ages most affected is between 30-69 years and over 85% of these “premature” deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (UN 2018). Furthermore, Cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths of 17.9 million people annually followed by cancers at 9.0 million, respiratory disease at 3.9 million and diabetes at 1.6 million.
NCDs tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic,physiological, environmental and behavioural factors. Among the risk factors include tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, family history and unhealthy
diets. Detection, screening and treatment of NDCs as well as palliative care are key components of the response to NCDs. In Zambia hypertension is on top of the list as the most reason of visitation to health facilities (MOH 2012).
Statics according to the united nations shows that there is over 70% lack of community awareness on NDCs in Zambia causing a further burden of premature death. This gap of lack of awareness is where ROMAKAKI Trust interest lies. ROMAKAKI Trust is a charity run by members of Chilonga schools of nursing alumni. The trust was founded in 2017 after the newly built school burnt down in October 2016 due to an electrical fault. This brought the spirit of unity among the ex-Chilonga Schools of Nursing students and have since continued positively contributing towards rebuilding of the school. There has been also tremendous
support from the government and public. The Trust has organised fundraising ventures that included the walk from Northmead to East park mall in 2017 and fundraising dinner gala in October 2017 that was graced by Honourable Jean Kapata venued at intercontinental hotel of Lusaka.
The Trust has the main goal of contributing positively in any way possible in order to realise a healthy Zambia. This year our mission is to educate the public on NDCs as the above figures are so alarming. This mission has just kicked off with a health check set up at Levy mall on the 21st of June 2019. The turnout among shoppers was overwhelming that included our Honourable minister to the Vice president Ms Sylvia Chalikosa. The health check is conducted by qualified nurses of Chilonga Schools of Nursing alumni giving back to the community as volunteers having the passion to foster healthy lives in Zambia. Our next
health check point will be at mandahill next month date to be communicated. We are also having a fundraising dinner gala in November this year date and venue to be communicated. We encourage members of the public to take advantage of the health
checks as they transform their lives through healthy lifestyle and choices. A healthy Zambia begins with you and me.
By Debbie Kalinda
CEO of ROMAKAKI Trust
Zambians eating habits are bad. So long one can afford , it’s 500g t bones with pap lunch from favorite eating place ( three people) then again madam/maid will serve pap with trotters for dinner?? This is after he had 3 eggs plus some fatty meat for breakfast with six slices of white bread. Ukulya Bwino…..
There is nothing wrong with t-bone and eggs. I eat those and I am slim and very fit.
The key is exercise. I do extreme sports. I have black belts in a few martial arts plus I do boxing and gymnastics.
I rarely consume fizzy drinks, crisps, cake, biscuits or chocolates.
Wht about government neglect of air pollution from dust, vehicle exhausts etc for example. How come ZEMA never warns us periodically as its opposite numbers do in some countries.
( meant meal for three people he/she eats alone)
Very good initiative, but please extend your awareness campaign to Parliament as well. Some MPs don’t exercise, the only two instances when they sweat is either when DEC knocks on their doors or when they are slaughtering at Parliament Motel. How can we have a healthy nation when the only time our leaders go for medicals is when fighting for police bond or bail?
On point….just look at our MPs both PF and opposition 95% are fat. Both male and female. There is too much bad eating habits and no exercising. They looks so old….Harry Kalaba( just example) is less than 50 but the chap looks 58
Indigo … we are not saying don’t eat tbone…it’s how you eat. Those guys l am talking about abuse food with the same fizz drinks you are avoiding.
Yes I hear you.