By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, August 26, mana: Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM) Health Services Manager, Dumisani Nkhoma says his organisation and the ministry of health have rolled out a three-year project aimed at enhancing and strengthening non communicable diseases (NCDs) systems for hypertension and diabetes care. 

Speaking on Friday during a district executive committee (DEC) meeting in Mzimba, Nkhoma said the project aims at addressing gaps in management and diagnosis of NCDs.

Nkhoma said Non Communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes continue to be on the increase in the country, however official records show low figures of those suffering because most people don’t go for screening to know their status.

 ‘‘The project has a target to screen at least 6200 adults of hypertension and diabetes among Nkhatabay and Mzimba districts by 2025,’’ said Nkhoma.

According to Nkhoma, the project also aims at increasing coverage of NCDs in the two districts to 12 facilities from the current nine in two years in addition to controlling hypertension and diabetes in the two districts.

‘‘The project will also increase community awareness about NCDs through religious leaders to create demand for NCDs and ensure quality NCD services are provided at health centres. It will also strengthen capacity of medics through trainings.’’

Director of Education, Youth and Sports for M’mbelwa District Council, Fiddes Msowoya hailed CHAM and ministry of health for the project saying with the high cases of NCDs among communities there was need to intensify screening and treatment of the diseases.

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