Africa-Press – Botswana. The Ministry of Health is conducting a household-based survey in response to the increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country.
The STEP Survey, scheduled from March 8 to June 18, is a collaborative effort with the National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAHPA), World Health Organisation and Statistics Botswana.
This survey aims to provide crucial insights into the current prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors among Batswana.
During the launch of the survey in Gaborone on Wednesday, Minister Dr Edwin Dikoloti urged Batswana to cooperate with the survey teams. The data collected will focus on established behavioral and biological risk factors that contribute to the major burden of NCDs in Botswana.
Dr Dikoloti highlighted that NCDs pose a significant threat to the nation’s health goals, with recent studies indicating that NCDs account for approximately 46 per cent of all deaths in the country.
He emphasised the preventable nature of NCDs and expressed concern over the impact they had, especially on the younger population. Heart diseases, cancers, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental illnesses like depression were among the most prevalent NCDs affecting the population, he said
The minister stressed the urgent need for action, noting how NCD-related deaths often occur during individuals’ prime years, resulting in the loss of breadwinners and productive workforce members in the country.zThe survey will involve face-to-face interviews to gather key information on behavioral risk factors, screen for depression and anxiety, and take physical measurements such as blood pressure, waist circumference, weight, height, and biochemical measurements like blood glucose and cholesterol.
Dr Dikoloti encouraged Batswana to welcome the survey teams into their homes to ensure the collection of credible data that will inform future interventions.
“NCDs not only impact healthcare but also impose a heavy socio-economic toll, draining valuable resources and hindering the nation’s development efforts. They lead to loss of loved ones, disrupt livelihoods, and perpetuate cycles of poverty and despair,” Dr Dikoloti said.Dr Juliet Bataringaya from WHO Botswana commended Botswana for being the second country in the African region to initiate the STEPS fieldwork. She highlighted the rising mortality rates due to NCDs in Sub-Saharan Africa, with NCDs responsible for 94 000 lives lost in Botswana in 2022.Dr Bataringaya emphasised the need for a change in mindset towards healthier lifestyles.
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