Lilongwe, on 19 April 2013 -- In commemoration of 2013 World Health Day, the Minister of Health, Honorable Catherine Gotani Hara, MP was the guest of honor when Kasungu District Health Office (DHO) led all District Health Offices and the Ministry of Health to commemorate World Health Day with the theme: “High blood pressure” and the slogan “act now to prevent high blood pressure.” The main event took place at Kasungu community ground but some activities started at the district hospital.

Among the delegates at the function were the WHO Resident representative (WR), the Director of Preventive Health Service, the Representative of the District Commissioner for Kasungu, Minister of Defense Honorable Ken Kandodo and Member of Parliament for Kasungu Central Constituency and the Directors of MOH.

When the minister arrived at Kasungu District Hospital at around 10 am, she was taken around to see how the hospital is screening patients for Non Communicable Disease (NCDs) risk factors using protocols and guidelines for the WHO Package for Essential NCDs risk factors. Then the entourage entered the NCD Clinic where the Kasungu DHO, Dr Jerome Nkambule and the WR, Dr Felicitas Zawaira outlined what the clients go through using the WHO protocols.

The entourage was then requested to lead a health walk from the District Hospital to Kasungu community ground where there were displays, demonstration of NCD risk factors screening, speeches from the dignitaries and traditional dances.

Speaking to the audience the Honorable Minister of Health, Catherine Gotani Hara said “I am aware of the challenges affecting the management and care of high blood pressure and other NCDs in our country including lack of screening services and inadequate diagnostic kits in the facilities leading to delayed diagnosis. However, my Ministry has accorded High blood pressure and the NCDs the priority within the Essential Health Package.” The Essential Health Package is included in the current Health Sector Strategic Plan (2011-2016).

In her remarks the WR commended MOH for acting on the evidence that was generated through the 2009 NCDs and their risk factors steps survey that was technically and financially supported by the WHO. “Hypertension is a silent killer that can affect anyone. Most of the people affected by hypertension are often not even aware of the disease and its complications. The effects of hypertension, over time, may include heart attack, kidney failure, stroke, premature death and disability” Dr Zawaira said.

She went on to state that unhealthy lifestyles – such as unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, tobacco smoking, harmful use of alcohol, excessive salt intake and overweight – coupled with stress, all increase the chances of development of high blood pressure.

In her concluding remarks, the WR urged health workers wherever they were in Malawi, to give utmost importance to early detection and treatment of hypertension and the prevention of its complications. She advised them to implement the standardized guidelines for hypertension management so that what was happening in Kasungu should happen in all districts in the country. She also asked all donors and bilateral development partners to support all initiatives similar to the one in Kasungu.

Hypertension or high blood pressure already affects one billion people worldwide. It is a major concern in the African Region where, in the year 2000, an estimated 80 million adults were affected. Without preventive action, an estimated 150 million people will suffer from hypertension in the Region by 2025.

2013 World Health Day commemoration “High blood Pressure” introduces Malawi to the piloting of the WHO Package for Essential Non Communicable Diseases in Kasungu

 01 WHO Representative, Dr Felicitas Zawaira Explaining The WHO Package To Minister Of Health Hon. Gotani Hara, MP Right. Looking On Right Is DHO Kasungu Dr J. Nkambule And Left Minister Of Defense Hon. Ken Kandodo 02 From Left Deputy Minister Of Health Halima Daudi, Minister Of Health Catherine Gotani Hara, The DHO Dr Jerome NKambule And Dr Zawaira Leading A Health Walk To Kasungu Community Ground 03 A Health Worker Explaining A Display Of Healthy Foods That Prevent Non Communicable Diseases At Kasungu Community Ground 04 The Honorable Minister Delivering The 2013 World Health Day Message At Kasungu Community Ground 05 Health Workers Carried Placards During The Health Walk And The Message On This One Is Reduce Salt In To Prevent Blood Pressure 06 Young People Also Demonstrated Their Acrobatic Capability As A Physical Activity For A Lifelong Healthy Lifestyle
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For more information contact

Mr. H.W. Kubwalo, World Health Organization, ADL House, PO Box 30390, Capital City, Lilongwe 3.
Tel: 01 772 755 Email: kubwaloh [at] mw.afro.who.inttarget="_blank"