By Felix Katemula

Karonga, July 2, Mana: Karonga District is registering an increase in cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and high blood pressure due to lack of knowledge on prevention.

NCD Coordinator for Karonga District Hospital, Luckson Chiphiko made the revelation Monday on the sidelines of NCD screening and sports bonanza which was organized on Monday by NCD Alliance-Malawi in the district.

Chiphiko said 85% of NCD cases were recorded between 2022 and 2024.

"We have noted that lack of knowledge about NCDs is fueling the increase. People know more about Malaria, Cholera and others because there have been more campaigns as compared to NCDs,” he said.

He further said that most people visit the hospital only after developing complications such as heart failure and stroke.

Assistant Project Officer for NCD Alliance-Malawi Jonathan Munthali cited lifestyle and food as one of the main causes of NCDs in the district.

“People in Karonga consume a lot of meat in the form of soup. The food has high fat content which puts them at risk of developing non-communicable diseases. We therefore advise people to eat balanced diets to ensure they have a healthy life,” Munthali said.