Kisii University, in partnership with the University of Manchester and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), is hosting a two-day conference to identify strategies for tackling non-communicable disease (NCDs).
Speaking to the press at the institution, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Planning and Finance Prof Mzee Awuor said the aim of the conference is to create awareness of NCDs and the risk factors in order to reduce the burden of these diseases.
“Non-communicable diseases are neglected diseases that don’t seem to get the discussion and funding they deserve considering these diseases prevail in areas of destruction and displacements,” noted Prof. Awuor.
According to the Professor, Kisii is one of the counties that are susceptible to non-communicable diseases and therefore, the discussion was very important in ensuring they come up with ways of taking care of the residents diagnosed with the diseases.
He added the conference will also provide a platform for students from the University of Manchester to experience the impact of NCDs on individuals and communities in Kenya.
“The students will get to understand the extent in which these diseases affect the community around, and how we can provide better services for individuals with these diseases,” said Prof. Awuor.
The acting DVC decried the low funding of programmes that support NCDs saying that funding is critical for conducting research and availing the medication required for patients with NCDs.
Further, Prof Awuor urged the academic institution to work on how to improve research in the area of non-communicable diseases.
MSF’s representative John Riaga noted the partnership with Kisii University was important, particularly on matters of research.
Mr. Riaga said the discussion was timely because patients who are managing non-communicable diseases are also predisposed to other elements.
“A lot of people managing NCDs are forced to dig deep into their pockets to seek medical attention at the health facilities, some of which lack the required medication,” he noted.
Riaga pointed out that the three health facilities they manage in Homabay County are not enough to provide free medication for all the patients with NCDs in the entire county.
On his part, the Chairperson of the National NCDs Caucus Dr David Okinyi noted the burden of NCDs remains high with a growing number of people affected by conditions like cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
According to Dr Okinyi, who is also the Head of NCDs in Kisii County, the government is committed to discussing strategies on how they can improve, especially on funding, to reduce the burden.
The Chairperson noted that the Social Health Authority (SHA) will play a critical role in alleviating the burden on patients with NCDs.
“Kisii County is working to increase the budgetary allocation for non-communicable diseases as a step towards tackling the diseases,” he added.
Dr Okinyi pointed out that the discussions will also include the management of patients with NCDs in cases of a crisis, adding that most of them were neglected during the covid-19 pandemic.
By Mercy Osongo
