By Adama Makasuba, edited by Yusef Taylor, @FlexDan_YT
The program manager for World Diabetes Foundation in the Gambia has announced that at least 34 percent of death in the Gambia were cause by non communicable disease and called for attitudinal change towards a more healthy diet. The foundation is tasked with a four year project to fight against non-communicable diseases in the country and has so far targeted three major health center’s in the country.
Speaking during a press conference at the Health promotional office in Kotu on Thursday, Omar Badjie said: “last year about 34% of all deaths are related to non communicable disease in the Gambia“. He described non-communicable diseases as a ‘killer’ disease that needs a cautious look into with seriousness, adding that there are 50 variations of non-communicable diseases.
Mr Badjie urged for change of attitude towards the type of food and drinks people consume, he discouraged people from smoking and drinking alcohol. According to Mr Badjie, one way you can fight against diseases is through regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet.
Momodou Gassama, program officer for non-communicable disease at World Health Organization’s Gambia office said: “let us take this seriously because it is a killer disease.” Gassama also urged people to prepare themselves against such diseases for the future saying diseases increase as the population increases.