Latest news with #noncommunicablediseases
Forbes
a day ago
- Health
- Forbes
Digital Health Solutions For Non-Communicable Disease Care In Zimbabwe
Village Health Workers in Zimbabwe use digital medical equipment and smartphones to facilitate childhood non-communicable disease testing, screening and treatment in under-resourced areas. In Zimbabwe, a Village Health Worker holds the smartphone she uses to transmit patient data to the public health system in real time. UNICEF supports the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care in strengthening its national health system. © UNICEF Connecting rural and remote communities to Zimbabwe's primary health system used to include delays of up to one month and loads of paperwork. Now, with the support of UNICEF and partners, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has equipped Village Health Workers with data-driven tools to make timely and lifesaving health care decisions. Digital health solutions like the use of a smartphone to transmit patient data in real time have empowered these workers to improve outcomes for children living with non-communicable diseases. Village Health Workers, trained volunteers who provide essential health and nutrition services to families and children, often work in remote areas that have limited access to health facilities. In the past, they recorded patient notes during their rounds that were then shared with the public health system, often long after the visit. 'We used to compile reports in a book which we would submit at the clinic at the end of the month. Now it is smoother and faster. Cellphones have been a game-changer,' says 52-year-old Margaret Denhera, a Village Health Worker in Luwana, Zimbabwe. Village Health Workers in Zimbabwe receive regular training on the digital medical equipment and devices they use on their rounds. © UNICEF 'I move around the village collecting information on non-communicable diseases. At the end of the day, I punch it into my phone,' says Denhera. She sends the data to the nearest health facility about 10 miles away. As the front line in Zimbabwe's public health system, Village Health Workers are often the first to identify non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure, chronic respiratory illness, cancer and diabetes. These diseases disproportionately affect people in developing countries, leading to the death of nearly 1 million people under age 20 each year worldwide. In Zimbabwe, NCDs are on the rise. Many, but by no means all, NCDs are preventable and treatable with early intervention and education on risk factors like excessive alcohol, inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use. Left undetected and untreated, NCDs can rapidly become life-threatening. Village Health Workers educate families on these risky behaviors and are trained to detect and test for NCDs on their rounds. The prompt reporting of a patient's symptoms to the nearest health facility can save a child's life. 'Village health workers are our foot soldiers,' says Yemurai Chamburuka, a primary care nurse at Patchway Clinic. 'When they see patients with abnormalities, they can easily call us or send the data by phone. It is to our advantage because we have the information as early as possible rather than waiting until the end of the month,' she says. 'If, during my checkup rounds, I test someone and observe, say, abnormal blood glucose levels, which is a sign of some non-communicable diseases, I refer the person to the clinic and send their test results ahead,' Denhera explains. Clinic nurses can review the real-time data and develop an action plan before the patient even reaches the facility. Because they come to know their clients and their environment so well, Village Health Workers often identify trends or potential disease outbreaks in their recordkeeping. The data they capture in real time is analyzed so that public health officials and policymakers can respond swiftly and efficiently. Dr. Robert Gongora, a digital health specialist who has led implementation of the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Electronic Health Records (EHR) system since 2017, commends the seamless flow of patient information. 'With more and more connectivity, we begin to learn immediately what's happening in that area because the moment we receive the information, we plan for that client ahead of arrival,' he says. Dr. Justice Mudavanhu, National Coordinator for Non-Communicable Diseases in the MoHCC, says the Ministry's head office uses VHW-submitted data to map the country's response to the growing incidence of childhood NCDs. 'In the program, we have technical experts who apply evidence-based interventions that help us to develop guidelines, standard operating procedures, algorithms and strategies for chronic diseases in children,' he said during a recent tour of rural Zimbabwe. 'There are systems at community level, at health facility level, and, as you go up, there are non-location-specific systems that enable data visualization. When we know what we are facing, we can target and measure our interventions better,' Dr. Mudavanhu adds. 'It's better not to shoot in the dark, especially where resource allocation is concerned.' 'We call them 'Digital Health Workers.' ' Equitable access to health care requires decision-making based on accurate and timely data. Authorities see vital interlinkages between the MoHCC digitization program and UNICEF's support for capacity building of the public health system. UNICEF, with the support of partners, is helping the MoHCC revolutionize community-based primary health care to strengthen NCD diagnosis, prevention and treatment within primary health care and referral facilities. Dr. Gongora suggests the title 'Village Health Worker' is outdated. Instead, he says, they should be called 'Digital Health Workers." his vital work is made possible by a donation from Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) to UNICEF USA. UNICEF is strengthening health systems and preventing, detecting and treating NCDs for children and adolescents in Bangladesh, Malawi, Nepal, India, the Philippines and Zimbabwe. UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.
Zawya
a day ago
- Health
- Zawya
Digital health solutions for non-communicable disease care in Zimbabwe
Sharing data in real time to make critical health care decisions Connecting rural and remote communities to Zimbabwe 's primary health system used to include delays of up to one month and loads of paperwork. Now, with the support of UNICEF and partners, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has equipped Village Health Workers with data-driven tools to make timely and lifesaving health care decisions. Digital health solutions like the use of a smartphone to transmit patient data in real time have empowered these workers to improve outcomes for children living with non-communicable diseases. Village Health Workers, trained volunteers who provide essential health and nutrition services to families and children, often work in remote areas that have limited access to health facilities. In the past, they recorded patient notes during their rounds that were then shared with the public health system, often long after the visit. 'We used to compile reports in a book which we would submit at the clinic at the end of the month. Now it is smoother and faster. Cellphones have been a game-changer,' says 52-year-old Margaret Denhera, a Village Health Worker in Luwana, Zimbabwe. Village Health Workers in Zimbabwe receive regular training on the digital medical equipment and devices they use on their rounds. © UNICEF 'I move around the village collecting information on non-communicable diseases. At the end of the day, I punch it into my phone,' says Denhera. She sends the data to the nearest health facility about 10 miles away. As the front line in Zimbabwe's public health system, Village Health Workers are often the first to identify non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure, chronic respiratory illness, cancer and diabetes. These diseases disproportionately affect people in developing countries, leading to the death of nearly 1 million people under age 20 each year worldwide. In Zimbabwe, NCDs are on the rise. Non-communicable diseases: A growing burden on Zimbabwe's health system Many, but by no means all, NCDs are preventable and treatable with early intervention and education on risk factors like excessive alcohol, inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use. Left undetected and untreated, NCDs can rapidly become life-threatening. Village Health Workers educate families on these risky behaviors and are trained to detect and test for NCDs on their rounds. The prompt reporting of a patient's symptoms to the nearest health facility can save a child's life. 'Village health workers are our foot soldiers,' says Yemurai Chamburuka, a primary care nurse at Patchway Clinic. 'When they see patients with abnormalities, they can easily call us or send the data by phone. It is to our advantage because we have the information as early as possible rather than waiting until the end of the month,' she says. 'If, during my checkup rounds, I test someone and observe, say, abnormal blood glucose levels, which is a sign of some non-communicable diseases, I refer the person to the clinic and send their test results ahead,' Denhera explains. Clinic nurses can review the real-time data and develop an action plan before the patient even reaches the facility. Video: Digitizing health systems in Zimbabwe Because they come to know their clients and their environment so well, Village Health Workers often identify trends or potential disease outbreaks in their recordkeeping. The data they capture in real time is analyzed so that public health officials and policymakers can respond swiftly and efficiently. Dr. Robert Gongora, a digital health specialist who has led implementation of the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Electronic Health Records (EHR) system since 2017, commends the seamless flow of patient information. 'With more and more connectivity, we begin to learn immediately what's happening in that area because the moment we receive the information, we plan for that client ahead of arrival,' he says. Dr. Justice Mudavanhu, National Coordinator for Non-Communicable Diseases in the MoHCC, says the Ministry's head office uses VHW-submitted data to map the country's response to the growing incidence of childhood NCDs. 'In the program, we have technical experts who apply evidence-based interventions that help us to develop guidelines, standard operating procedures, algorithms and strategies for chronic diseases in children,' he said during a recent tour of rural Zimbabwe. Digital tools help identify and map disease incidence for better intervention 'There are systems at community level, at health facility level, and, as you go up, there are non-location-specific systems that enable data visualization. When we know what we are facing, we can target and measure our interventions better,' Dr. Mudavanhu adds. 'It's better not to shoot in the dark, especially where resource allocation is concerned.' We call them 'Digital Health Workers.' — Dr. Robert Gongora, Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care Equitable access to health care requires decision-making based on accurate and timely data. Authorities see vital interlinkages between the MoHCC digitization program and UNICEF's support for capacity building of the public health system. UNICEF, with the support of partners, is helping the MoHCC revolutionize community-based primary health care to strengthen NCD diagnosis, prevention and treatment within primary health care and referral facilities. Dr. Gongora suggests the title 'Village Health Worker' is outdated. Instead, he says, they should be called 'Digital Health Workers.' This vital work is made possible by a donation from Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) to UNICEF USA. UNICEF is strengthening health systems and preventing, detecting and treating NCDs for children and adolescents in Bangladesh, Malawi, Nepal, India, the Philippines and Zimbabwe. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Independent
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Some Africans have seen a big belly as a sign of wealth. It's killing them
In many African cultures, a large belly has traditionally signified wealth and prosperity. However, this long-held perception is now proving deadly as obesity-related illnesses become a leading cause of death. In Kenya, the association between weight and status is particularly evident. Overweight politicians often earn the moniker "Boss" or "Mkubwa" – Swahili for "big man" – a term reflecting the cultural view of girth as a symbol of success. This perception, however, masks a growing health crisis. Obesity contributes significantly to non-communicable diseases like diabetes, now the leading cause of death in Kenya. According to the Kenyan health ministry, these diseases account for 39% of fatalities annually. This alarming trend has prompted a shift in attitudes, particularly among younger politicians. Leaders such as the governors of Nairobi and Mombasa have begun publicly discussing their weight loss journeys, challenging traditional views and highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle. This marks a potential turning point in a culture where weight has long been equated with wealth, suggesting a growing awareness of the serious health risks associated with obesity. In a country where the government has said almost a third of the population is still unable to fulfill food needs, 13% adults are obese, according to the 2025 World Obesity Atlas. The contrast highlights the country's growing inequality and the popularity of fast and processed foods by those with rising incomes. Perceptions about obesity can affect financial and other decisions. In neighboring Uganda, microfinance institutions vetted loan applicants based on their weight, and those overweight were considered more able to repay loans, according to a study published by the American Economic Review in 2023. 'Most people feel like when I start making money, I have to look like the money itself by being fat or obese,' said Kenyan nutritionist Felix Okoth. 'They however don't realize that they are predisposing themselves to these lifestyle conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.' The World Health Organization 's Africa director has called the rising trend a 'ticking time bomb" for the continent with the world's youngest and fastest growing population. Some are trying to change the conversation around weight. A former senator in Kenya, Cleophas Malala, has described how a 15-hour flight to the U.S. left him in pain and how doctors advised him to reduce. From a starting weight of 138 kilograms (304 pounds), he embarked on a non-solid diet for 90 days. Though he didn't disclose his current weight, before-and-after photos show him noticeably slimmer. 'My colleagues in parliament were mad that I left the 'club' after I lost weight,' the 39-year-old has said. Stephen Ogweno, who had childhood obesity and later became a public health advocate, said most Kenyan legislators don't see the issue as a problem. 'These discussions are held in parliament where most MPs have big bellies, and so admitting that it concerns them, too, would be a good place to start,' he said. Kenyan President William Ruto has spoken publicly about the need to be fit for work. He had to reassure Kenyans in 2023 that he was okay after online speculation about his health following weight loss. 'I decided to cut it down because the task ahead was not easy,' he told journalists. Increasing incomes, proliferation of fast-food outlets in urban areas, sedentary lifestyles and lack of infrastructure that promotes physical activity have been named as probable causes of rising obesity in developing countries. 'We need to make sure that when we move away from lack of food, we are not going to the wrong food groups,' said a Kampala-based doctor, Miriam Laker Oketta. Public health campaigns will help demystify the perception that weight is an indication of wealth, said Caroline Kirui, the Africa director for Project ECHO, an information-sharing platform for healthcare workers. Gyms, weight loss drugs and surgeries are being increasingly advertised in Kenya. But approaches such as the Ozempic weight-loss drug have left some users like Caroline Havi dissatisfied. She said she turned to a one-meal-a-day diet instead and hopes to eventually reduce her weight from 105 kilograms to 70 'without spending so much." In South Africa, obesity-related deaths due to non-communicable diseases have surpassed HIV-related deaths, according to the WHO. The 2025 World Obesity Atlas said 32% of South Africa 's adults are obese. The perception that weight is a symbol of wealth is slowly changing, said Rebone Ntsie, nutrition director at the National Department of Health. 'There are those who still see it like that, but people are also seeing the dangers and its no longer celebrated as a sign of dignity, beauty, respect, social status," she said.
Reuters
21-05-2025
- Health
- Reuters
Novo Nordisk Foundation pledges $57 million to WHO amid US funding gap
May 21 (Reuters) - The Novo Nordisk Foundation has pledged up to DKK 380 million ($57.76 million) to the World Health Organization (WHO) to expand its tie-up with the United Nations agency for another four years, the philanthropic body said on Wednesday. WHO said on Tuesday it had secured over $170 million in new commitments from multiple countries and organizations, but did not disclose the amount contributed by the foundation, which owns a controlling stake in drugmaker Novo Nordisk ( opens new tab. The pledge comes at a time when the WHO faces a major funding shortfall with the planned withdrawal of the United States, its largest donor. The Novo Nordisk Foundation said it is expanding its collaboration to focus on non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance and health system resilience. Novo Holdings, the foundation's investment arm, is one of the world's biggest philanthropic donors. The U.S. is set to exit the agency in 2026 following President Donald Trump's decision, announced on his first day in office. In response, WHO has cut its 2026–2027 budget by 20% to $4.2 billion and will raise mandatory member contributions by 20%, with China becoming the top state donor. "WHO plays a unique role in the global health ecosystem, providing normative guidance, monitoring diseases, building country capacity for resilient health systems and supporting learning and evidence," said Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the foundation. ($1 = 6.5761 Danish crowns)
Free Malaysia Today
19-05-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Business group hits out at Fomema policy changes hurting SMEs
The Federation of Malaysian Business Associations said the decision to reject foreign workers with treatable non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol is unfair. PETALING JAYA : The Federation of Malaysian Business Associations (FMBA) has called on the government to intervene in policy changes by the Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency (Fomema), warning that they place undue financial and operational pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This comes after Fomema revised its policy in December 2023, requiring a mandatory yearly health screening instead of every two years. This resulted in an increase in costs for male workers from RM190 to RM207, and from RM207 to RM217 for female workers. FMBA chairman Abdul Malik Abdullah claimed that Fomema made the changes without proper stakeholder consultation and imposed unexpected costs on SMEs that already operate on tight margins. 'The announcement of these changes came just one day before implementation, leaving many SMEs unprepared for the sudden costs and operational adjustments,' he said in a statement today. He also criticised the decision to reject foreign workers diagnosed with common but manageable non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. 'NCDs are prevalent among working Malaysian adults, who continue to contribute to the productivity and growth of the nation. 'NCDs are also treatable and controllable. Countries such as the UK, Japan, Germany, India and China do not impose this requirement,' he said. The association also raised concerns over the lack of access to medical reports for both employers and foreign workers, despite footing the bill for screenings. 'Employers, having funded these screenings, should have the right to relevant health information,' Malik said. He said these new medical rules are being layered on top of other rising costs for SMEs, including a multi-tiered foreign worker levy, minimum wage hikes, EPF and Perkeso contributions, and the rollout of e-invoicing. 'FMBA calls for a halt to these practices by Fomema and a review with the relevant stakeholders on the rationale and regulatory impacts of these changes to SMEs,' he said.
