Health Ministry Urges Urban Planning Overhaul to Combat Rising NCDs

The Ministry of Health is strongly advocating for a significant shift in urban planning, asserting that current road designs in Uganda fall short in providing safe spaces for walking and other essential outdoor activities. This call comes as officials highlight the critical role of physical activity in curbing the escalating burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) across the country.

Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, emphasised the Ministry’s concerted efforts to encourage increased walking among the populace. However, she lamented that the pervasive lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure has severely hampered this vital public health campaign.

Speaking after participating in physical fitness activities as part of the annual National Day of Physical Activity, Dr. Atwine observed that while Kampala grapples with severe road congestion, many districts have not fully embraced the spirit of the day, nor have their residents widely adopted regular outdoor exercising as a lifestyle.

The National Day of Physical Activity, initiated by President Yoweri Museveni in 2018, was established to foster fitness as a lifestyle in the fight against the growing threat of NCDs. The day typically features activities such as walks, aerobics, and Zumba sessions, all aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of physical activity.

However, six years on, critics argue that the event has largely remained an “elitist” affair, primarily celebrated by a limited number of organisations and corporate entities. Dr. Nicholas Kamara, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Forum on NCDs, stressed the urgent need to broaden public awareness and engagement. He noted that despite both Parliament and the Executive prioritising NCDs in recent State of the Nation addresses and budget frameworks, the intended impact will only materialise if the general public actively participates in prevention efforts.

Statistics from the Ministry of Health paint a stark picture: NCDs, including hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, now account for a staggering 33 per cent of all deaths in Uganda. Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng underscored that a significant number of these deaths are preventable through early detection and crucial lifestyle modifications.

Further alarming findings from the 2023 STEPS Survey, a comprehensive household-based study on NCD risk factors, reveal that one in every four adult Ugandans suffers from high blood pressure. Dr. Aceng expressed deep concern that the majority of these individuals remain unaware of their condition. To bridge this critical knowledge gap and facilitate early intervention, the Ministry has trained Village Health Teams (VHTs) to conduct door-to-door screenings and refer those in need to appropriate health facilities.