Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases refer to a group of conditions that are not mainly caused by an acute infection, result in long-term health consequences and often create a need for long-term treatment and care. These illnesses do not spread from person to person, they take a long time to develop and do not present symptoms in the early stages.

There are several diseases which fall into this group of conditions. The main types of non-communicable diseases are:

• Diabetes,
• Coronary heart disease,
• Stroke,
• Cancers, and
• Chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma).

NCDs are diseases of long duration targeting men, women and children and people in all income groups. One of the most serious concerns about Non-Communicable Diseases is that they affect people in the productive years of their life. Non-Communicable Diseases are a leading cause of premature mortality.

The annual Global Week for Action on NCDs campaign seeks to bring attention to NCD prevention and control

According to the World Health Organisation, 41 million people die every year due to an NCD, accounting for over 70% of all deaths worldwide. But the deaths from NCDs are projected to escalate to 52 million – 75% of all deaths – within just eight years, by 2030. Although the burden is universal, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are hit the hardest, NCDs disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries where more than three quarters of global NCD deaths – 31.4 million – occur.

In Cameroon, chronic diseases accounted for 848.1 deaths per 100,000 in 2002, corresponding to 43% of all deaths.

The rise of NCDs has been driven by primarily four major risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets. The epidemic of NCDs poses devastating health consequences for individuals, families and communities, and threatens to overwhelm health systems.

The Global Week of Action on NCDs in 2022 aims to get a message across to governments, donors, international agencies and private sector. The 2022 theme puts the focus on investment for prevention: “Invest in NCDs today, save lives and money tomorrow“.

The imperative to change the global architecture of NCD treatment is not only ethical, but economic: morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases strains healthcare systems, removes people from the workforce, and places an enormous burden on younger generations (often young women) who must cut their education or careers short to act as unpaid caretakers for their parents and grandparents. Investing in better management of NCDs is critical.

Klarah is glad to join the global community to fight against this cankerworm that looms large in our society. Since its inception, Klarah has made it a mission to bridge the gap between the patient and primary care providers, who are in the frontline in the fight against non-communicable diseases.

By providing affordable and comprehensive health care which targets detecting, screening and treating NCDs, Klarah aims at reducing deaths from chronic disease by helping families, individuals and communities diagnose and manage the diseases early.

Non-communicable diseases affect us all, they cause nearly 3 out of 4 deaths globally – and billions of people live with one or more NCDs, many of which are preventable. But we can do something to turn the tide, let’s join the movement today, shun modifiable risk factors and engage in active contributions in the fight against NCDs. We can invest today to save lives tomorrow.

As we grow older, we are most likely to feel like it’s a time to relax, not to increase our physical activity. However, for a healthier life, walking is one exercise we cannot toss away. From short walks around the neighbourhood to 30 minutes walks, walking has been known to be one of the best exercises for seniors. Besides being a great mood booster, walking has some great health benefits:

Improves cardiovascular health and function

Walking increases your heart rate strengthens your heart and increases blood circulation through your body.
Walking has the potential to play a key role in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Improves blood pressure, control your blood sugar and reduces your risk of diabetes

Older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing health issues relating to high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol and heart disease in general. Walking daily can improve circulation and blood sugar levels, leading to lower risks of diabetes, strokes and cardiac arrest.

Boosts your immune system

People who walk regularly are less likely to get sick than those who do not exercise at all, research indicates. As the body ages, the immune system can weaken, but walking is one of the ways in which one can maintain a healthy and effective immune system and better protection against day-to-day illnesses.

Helps reduce arthritis pain

Walking reduces arthritis pain by lubricating knee and hip joints and strengthing the muscles surrounding those joints, which reduces the strain on them.

Reduces the risk of many chronic diseases

In addition to lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke, walking and other moderate exercises also help protect against dementia, peripheral artery disease, obesity, depression, colon cancer, and even erectile dysfunction. It may even lower the risk of breast cancer and other cancers.

Improve mental health

Walking outside, and being in nature allows you to decompress, get in touch with your thoughts, to understand what’s important and to relax. Walking can also improve self-esteem, decrease negative thoughts and improve overall mental well-being.

Improve mobility and balance

Weight-bearing exercises, including walking, increases lubrication and delivery of nutrition to your joints.

The benefits of walking are endless, we highly recommend that seniors should be as active as possible for a healthier lifestyle and longer lifespan. Therefore put on your walking shoes today and get walking today!