NCCK COAST REGION CALLS FOR NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION ON NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.
BY NJOKI KARANJA.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Coast Region has called for urgent action to address the growing crisis of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Kenya. During a two-day forum held at the Kilifi PEFA Church, delegates from six counties—Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa, Tana River, and Taita Taveta—gathered to review the state of health in the region and highlighted the increasing burden of NCDs, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, which are now responsible for over 50% of hospitalizations and 39% of deaths in the country.
NCCK leaders expressed deep concern over the economic and social impacts of NCDs, noting that they account for more than 77% of Kenya’s total health expenditure. They also pointed out that managing an NCD costs a patient, on average, KSh 130,000 per year, a financial burden that is often unaffordable for many households. The council called on the government to declare NCDs a national emergency, emphasizing the need for urgent focus and action from both the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders.
The forum also addressed the significant role of diet in the rise of NCDs, highlighting the growing consumption of processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Delegates recommended several key measures to combat this trend, including the introduction of mandatory Front of Pack Warning Labels on food products, which would provide consumers with clear information on harmful ingredients such as salt, sugar, and saturated fats. They also called for stronger regulations on the advertising of unhealthy foods, particularly those targeting children, and urged the government to incentivize the marketing of healthier food options.
Further, the forum advocated for the adoption of the Nutrient Profile Model by the Ministry of Health, which would guide the regulation of food products based on their nutritional content. The NCCK Coast Region also appealed for the suspension of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) until it can provide adequate benefits to patients, urging a return to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) system, which they believe better serves the needs of the population.
In addition to health-related concerns, the NCCK forum addressed the upcoming school holidays, encouraging parents to engage their children in productive activities and instill life skills, responsibility, and a healthy use of social media. They also expressed their support for students taking their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, as well as the Grade 6 learners who recently completed the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).
The forum concluded by invoking the biblical principle that individuals are responsible for taking care of their bodies, emphasizing that good health begins with wise choices, particularly when it comes to diet. The NCCK Coast Region remains committed to advocating for policies that promote healthier lifestyles and reduce the growing threat of NCDs in Kenya.
