The Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance has called on stakeholders to take proactive steps in supporting people living with NCDs, particularly during natural disasters like floods and cyclones.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday at Edge Water Court in Lilongwe, NCD Alliance Chairperson, Moda Mwakasungura highlighted challenges faced by NCD patients during Cyclone Freddy in 2023.
“We observed during Cyclone Freddy that many of our clients, especially those living with NCDs, struggled to access care and medication. Our discussion now focuses on how we can ensure these individuals receive care if such calamities happen again,” Mwakasungura stated.
Mwakasungura also emphasized the importance of raising awareness on road safety, particularly for kabaza (motorcycle taxi) riders, as accidents have been on the rise.
“By working with the Riders for Health Association, we aim to intensify safety awareness among kabaza riders to reduce accidents,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dingani Mithi of the NCD Alliance advocated for healthier lifestyles to combat rising NCD cases.
“As the NCD Alliance, we are pushing for lifestyle changes that reduce risk factors like unhealthy diets, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical inactivity
However, progress has been slow since the introduction of the National Alcohol Policy, with unregulated alcohol brewing still prevalent,” Mithi said.
Cyclone Freddy left many displaced in 2023, with people suffering from severe health conditions unable to access proper medical care, which led to complications.
