BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) appeals for a joint effort to address the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) crises facing the country.
This is by supporting the implementation of the Multisectoral Non-Communicable Disease Strategic Plan 2019-2023, which was reviewed by the ministry last year. There are also other relevant health policies in place that need support in the campaign.
Speaking recently in Parliament, Minister for Health, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai said the new NCD policy and roadmap will be implemented and monitored with different strategies in accordance with the National Development Strategy 2016-2035.
He said NCDs are severely affecting us and had some impact on the economy.
Bosowai emphasized that through the implementation of the National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2031, guided by this multisectoral NCD roadmap, there is need for commitment and response from all ministries and everyone to address NCDs.
He added that the effort will see engagement with private sector, churches and communities on NCD activities.
Bosowai said there’s also a recognised emphasis for non-governmental stakeholders to community engagement, involvement, and collaboration using churches as partners in reaching and sustaining NCD community interventions with the provincial health services.
He voiced that by creating healthy settings for our people to live healthy and strive for all people, both young, old, women, men, disabled can achieve their full potential without the threat of NCDs.
“This is because 80 percent of NCD outcomes are determined by non-health-related social, economic, commercial, and environmental determinants that require a solid collaboration and support from other sectors,” he said.
Bosawai reported that based on the ministry’s information system, NCD is among the top five causes of death nationally for both males and females in 2023, and now in 2025.
“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services would like to underscore that we must work together on our multisectoral approach.
“Working together means you as an individual must be careful of the food you eat. That’s how you can contribute to tackle the NCD crises in the country.
“I want you to read the packaging materials of the food, understand before cooking them. You don’t just buy and eat,” he said.
Bosawai said this is because food is the number -one cause of NCDs, and people must take extra cautious about what they eat.
He reiterated the commitment of MHMS through the revised Multisectoral Non-Communicable Disease Strategic Plan 2019-2023 and relevant policies to establish a society that creates health and an enabling environment with a health system that works closely with communities to promote health and well-being of all.
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