Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the greatest health threat of our time

In response to the escalating threat of NCDs in Botswana, the Ministry of Health initiated the “Walk for Life” campaign in 2022, launched by the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Edwin G. Dikoloti in Kanye. The purpose of this campaign is to promote physical activity as one of the preventive measures against NCDs.

In a bid to expand its reach, the Kweneng District Health Management Team(DHMT), organised a similar event from October 15th-21st 2023, which started from Ditshegwane village to Molepolole. During the launch of the Kweneng DHMT “walk for life”, Hon. Dikoloti expressed his privilege in leading yet another campaign in the fight against NCDs. He reflected on the success of the recent campaign led by the Southern DHMT and recalled that last year October, the he inaugurated the very first “Walk for Life” campaign in Kanye. Notably, that the inaugural campaign saw Minister Dikoloti walk from Kanye to Gaborone.

During the Kweneng DHMT Walk for Life launch, Minister Dikoloti stated, “the nation expects us to act on the high burden of NCSs that affects all our people. It's a matter that we have to address and help save our nation as guided by His Excellency the President, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, who in his reset agenda, promises to save the lives of Batswana. We should teach our people that just by merely walking, they are saving their own lives for free.

Minister Dikoloti highlighted the alarming statistics, revealing that nearly 50% of all deaths in Botswana are due to NCDs. Despite their preventability and manageability, common NCDs in the country include heart diseases, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, mental health diseases, and several cancers.

To address this growing health concern, Minister Dikoloti encouraged the adoption of healthier lifestyles, such as regular exercise and walking, setting a daily target of no less than 10,000 steps for better health and NCD prevention.