The Ministry of Health has expressed concern about the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Uganda.
Uganda is currently recording approximately 34,000 cancer cases annually.
Dr. Charles Oyoo Akiya, the Commissioner of Health Services for NCDs, highlighted that about 80% of cancer cases are diagnosed at late stages, attributing this trend to delayed diagnosis.
He made these remarks on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, during the orientation meeting for cultural leaders on self-care at the Ministry of Health headquarters.
“I’m worried that if the current trend continues, NCDs could surpass infectious diseases within the next five to ten years, Oyoo said.
Oyoo also emphasized that changing lifestyles from traditional practices to more Westernized habits is contributing to this rise in NCDs.
He urged the public to adopt self-care practices, including maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical exercise, and avoiding self-medication, to combat the increasing prevalence of these diseases.
Oyoo stated that these recommendations aim to mitigate the increasing prevalence of NCDs and improve overall health outcomes, and the rising burden of NCDs is not unique to Uganda; it reflects a global trend where low- and middle-income countries are experiencing a significant increase in NCD-related morbidity and mortality.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for about 35% of total deaths in Uganda, with lifestyle factors such as poor diet, tobacco use, and physical inactivity playing critical roles in this epidemic.
The situation requires urgent attention and action from both health authorities and the public to prevent further escalation of NCDs and promote healthier lifestyles across the country.