From September 6-12, the CBC Health Services and other Cameroon Civil Society NCD Alliance members joined the rest of the international community to commemorate this year’s edition of the Global Week for Action on NCDs. Activities focused on the theme, “Community Engagement,” emphasising the power and potential of communities to co-create healthier societies.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the world’s biggest killer, causing over 41 million deaths every year, and estimated to increase by 17% in the next decade. In Cameroon, NCDs account for 35% of annual deaths.
The Global Week for Action on NCDs highlighted the need for a whole-of-society approach, moving beyond individual efforts to collective practices. “For example, while individuals can screen regularly and adopt lifestyles that reduce their exposures to developing NCDs, they can also form patient advocacy groups to promote their involvement in decision-making. Additionally, local communities can institute general sports days, car-free days and designate days for screening as part of collective efforts.” Dr Epie Njume, General Supervisor of the NCD Prevention and Control Program, explains.
The CBC Health Services echoed this clarion call while organising health talks, health walks, and sporting activities at the Baptist Center Nkwen, Bamenda, on September 10, 2021, with persons living with disabilities from the Coordinating Unit for Associations of Persons living with Disabilities (CUAPD) for the Northwest region. In addition, radio talk shows, awareness-raising on social media, health education in churches, mosques, and free screening for diabetes, hypertension, and obesity in health facilities also marked this week-long event.
“I encourage my fellow persons with disabilities and everyone else to join the action because we are all exposed to NCDs. Disabilities can increase the risk of developing NCDs, and NCDs can lead to disabilities,” Desmond Nji, representing the CUAPD advised.
