Early screening at heart of new health campaign

The deputy minister of Health and Social Services, Susan Ndjaleka, launched the National Integrated Campaign for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Oral Health, which coincided with the commemoration of National Oral Health Day, in Keetmanshoop on Monday.

Ndjaleka said the integrated approach was aimed at moving the health system away from fragmented services towards a more holistic approach to prevention and early detection.

“For too long, many people have only encountered our health system when they are already unwell. Some of the greatest threats to our health can develop quietly. A person who comes for a blood pressure check should also have an opportunity to learn about diabetes risk. Someone receiving health education should hear about nutrition, tobacco, alcohol and oral health. Every interaction with our health system should become an opportunity for prevention," she said.

The campaign also takes prevention services closer to communities rather than waiting for people to seek treatment after falling ill.

Community members will have access to blood pressure and blood glucose checks, oral health screenings, other NCD screenings and health-promotion services.

Ndjaleka urged Namibians to make use of the services provided through the campaign and take responsibility for their health.

“Do not wait until you feel sick to know your health status. Know your blood pressure. Know your blood sugar. Understand your risk factors. Have your mouth examined," she said.

According to Ndjaleka, NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases, were affecting increasing numbers of families.

“These conditions are not only health statistics. They affect parents, workers, young people and entire households. They affect productivity, household income and quality of life,” she said.

The deputy minister said people could have high blood pressure or elevated blood sugar without knowing it, while oral diseases could progress from minor problems to pain, infection and tooth loss if left untreated.

“The encouraging reality is that much can be done through prevention and early detection,” she said.

Ndjaleka highlighted that oral diseases and major NCDs shared several risk factors, including unhealthy diets, high sugar consumption, tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption.

“The same healthier choices that protect our hearts and reduce our risk of diabetes and certain cancers can also protect our teeth and gums,” she said.

She added that oral health went beyond having a healthy smile, as it could affect people’s ability to eat, speak, learn, work and interact confidently with others.

Ndjaleka further said the campaign’s success would not be measured only by the number of people screened but by whether screening led to meaningful changes in people’s behaviour and health outcomes.

“Its true success will be measured by what happens after today. Will we choose healthier food for our families? Will we reduce sugar consumption? Will we become more physically active? Will we stop using tobacco? Will we seek health and dental care before problems become emergencies?” she asked.

“Government can provide services, policies and programmes, but ultimately, health is built every day, in our homes, our schools, our workplaces and our communities. Let this campaign therefore remind every Namibian that prevention begins with knowledge, but it succeeds through action,” Ndjaleka concluded.