The County Government of Vihiga, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, has concluded a four-day Community Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Messages Development Workshop, aimed at developing effective community awareness messages to improve prevention, early detection, and management of non-communicable diseases, which continue to pose a major health challenge in the region.
The workshop brought together healthcare professionals, public health officers, community health promoters, and development partners to craft simple and culturally appropriate messages that can easily be understood by residents across the county.
The initiative was implemented through the County Department of Health Services with support from United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF ) Kenya and Non communicable Diseases (NCDs) Alliance Kenya, reflecting a collaborative effort to strengthen community awareness on diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses.
Health officials noted that many people continue to seek medical attention only after complications arise, making treatment more difficult and costly for patients and their families.
The newly developed messages are expected to encourage residents to embrace regular health screening and seek medical advice early whenever symptoms are detected.
According to participants, the sensitization campaign will also help dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding non-communicable diseases (NCD), which often contribute to delayed treatment and discrimination against affected individuals.
For many families living with Non communicable Disease (NCD) patients, stigma remains a hidden burden that affects emotional wellbeing and access to support systems.
The workshop therefore emphasized the need for messages that promote empathy, understanding, and community support.
Healthcare providers attending the training said the messaging framework will enhance referrals and ensure patients receive timely and quality care from the appropriate health facilities.
Community health promoters, who serve as the link between households and health facilities, are expected to play a key role in disseminating the messages during household visits and public health forums.
One participant observed that empowering communities with accurate information can save lives by helping people recognize risk factors and adopt healthier lifestyles before diseases become severe.
As the workshop concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative will strengthen community engagement in the fight against non-communicable diseases and contribute to healthier and more informed communities across Vihiga County.
By Henry Ananda / Maureen Imbayi
