Health Reporter
Zimbabwe is experiencing a surge in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among its young population, driven by poor lifestyle choices and consumption of unhealthy diets, warns the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC).
“The economic transition and urbanization are leading to a rise in NCDs, as young people are adopting unhealthy diets and lifestyles,” said Dr. Justice Mudavanhu, Acting Director of NCDs at MoHCC.
According to the Obesity Atlas, 2.9 million Zimbabwean children will have high Body Mass Index (BMI) by 2035, triggering a rise in stroke-related health complications, diabetes, and other conditions.
Unhealthy diets, lifestyle changes, smoking, alcohol use, and physical inactivity are major risk factors contributing to the surge in NCDs among young people.
“Traditionally, NCDs were associated with older generations, but in Zimbabwe, we’re seeing a rise in NCDs among the young population,” Dr. Mudavanhu added.
Lack of awareness and silent symptoms of NCDs are also contributing to the crisis, highlighting the need for regular check-ups and health education.
“We’re recording hypertension cases in younger people, and our register shows 1.2 million people on treatment for hypertension, with a large proportion being young people,” Dr. Mudavanhu said.
Genetic and environmental factors also play a role in the rise of NCDs among young people.
The World Obesity Atlas projects that 79% of adults with overweight and obesity will live in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) by 2035, with 88% of children with overweight and obesity living in LMICs.
In Zimbabwe, the Obesity Atlas notes a 4.4% annual growth rate in adults with high BMI and a 6.5% annual growth rate in children with high BMI.
The estimated burden of obesity in Zimbabwe by 2035 is 6.9 million adults and 2.9 million children, totaling 9.9 million people.
In 2019, 5,250 Zimbabweans died from stroke due to high BMI, 1,700 from diabetes linked to high BMI, and 3,500 from coronary heart diseases.
“The situation is alarming, and we need to take urgent action to address the rise of NCDs among our young population,” Dr. Mudavanhu emphasized.
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