Dr. Khanakwa calls for early check-ups to combat NCDs.

Dr. Khanakwa Sarah speaking to residents that had come for the medical check ups and treatment

The head of department resource mobilisation at Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) Dr. Khanakwa Sarah (PhD) has encouraged Ugandans to prioritize preventative measures over cure. She made the remarks on Saturday while at the integrated medical camp in Magale Town Council, where thousands of people across Namisindwa District turned up for free medical treatment.

Dr. Khanakwa who has organised free integrated medical camps in Namisindwa in a bid to promote good health also emphasized the importance of regular check-ups at health facilities to identify and address both non communicable disease (NCDs) and other diseases early on.

One of the persons being attended to by an eye care doctor during the medical camp organized by Dr. Khanakwa in magale town council

A recent report shows that globally, NCDs account for a staggering 41 million deaths annually, representing 74% of all global deaths. In low- and middle-income countries, this figure climbs to 86% of premature deaths. Among various NCDs, cardiovascular diseases claim the most lives (17.9 million), chronic respiratory diseases (4.1 million), and diabetes (2.0 million), with kidney diseases included in the latter figure.

Mr. Masafu david a resident of Bumityero sub county, said  from today onwards, the next leaders in the country should emulate people like Dr. Khanakwa Sarah keep this thought top of mind. The health of the populace is a nation’s most valuable asset. If its people aren’t well, the economy suffers, relationships suffer, and our personal and national security is at greater risk. Therefore, I would advise those vying for leadership to consider the health impact of each decision, each policy, and each executive action and proposed legislation.

The medical team attending to the patients that turned up for the treatment at the medical camp in Magale

 "We can not solve our problems like poverty if we aren't healthy." To build a culture of good health, our nation needs leaders like Dr. Khanakwa who are eager to drive change by working across disciplines and drawing inspiration through collaboration. I hope the people Namisindwa District see that", Masafu noted.