By Lamin Njie
The Programme Officer at the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) unit of the Ministry of Health (MOH has called on Gambians; especially the elderly, to practice a healthy lifestyle by eating more fruits and vegetables regularly, involve in sporting activities and evade the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. These practices, she said help prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases; such as diabetes, stroke, heart attacks, cancer and hypertension.
Mrs Sainabou Barra Cham was speaking in an interview with the Gambia Daily, at her office, in Kotu.
She described NCDs as silent killers that are affecting so many Gambians, most especially adults.
She added that NCDs are not transferrable from one person to another but that they are on the increase in The Gambia, which she said poses a great health risk on the population
“I am advising Gambians out there to have regular exercises at least 30 minutes of walks per day. This is good for the body and is a good way of a lifestyle,” she said.
According to her, NCDs were not an issue in The Gambia before. However, this trend has changed over time as many households are affected by these NCDs either directly or indirectly.
“2018, WHO country profile has shown that 34 percent of all deaths are due to NCDs, and out of this, 14 percent are due to cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension,” she said.
She further stated that Gambians should attempt to live a healthy lifestyle at all times by eating more fruits and vegetables and avoiding fatty foods.
“People have to stop consuming alcohol. It is a risk factor and is not good for their health. If they cannot stop the usage of alcohol, then we advise that they limit its consumption,” she said.
She further called on tobacco users to equally stop using it or reduce smoking to prevent themselves from having NCDs. She also called on everyone, especially women to do regular medical check-ups to detect issues like cancer of the breasts and other health complications that normally affect women and girls.
She stated that the Ministry of Health, through the NCD unit, will continue to do its best by ensuring that the public is always informed and advised on the best health practices.
