Bungoma on alert over rising silent killer disease

Residents of Bungoma have been advised to exercise regularly and maintain proper nutrition to help prevent non-communicable diseases.

The county government has warned that the diseases are on the rise in the area, with children among those at high risk. Residents were also urged to undergo hypertension screening to help save lives. 

Speaking during celebrations to mark World Hypertension Day and a cancer screening exercise at Bungoma County Referral Hospital on May 15, Health and Sanitation Chief Officer David Maling’a underscored the importance of creating awareness in controlling the diseases. He advocated for regular checkups and early testing to strengthen the fight against hypertension and cancer.

The celebrations themed “Controlling Hypertension Together,” showcased the achievements health workers have made so far, in the fight against hypertension and other lifestyle diseases.

The event also paid tribute to Prof Mabel Nangami, the Bungoma County Referral Hospital board chairperson who succumbed to cancer.

“This day reminds us that hypertension is  a silent killer because many people have high blood pressure without knowing it. If not detected and controlled early, it can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, disability and premature death,” he noted.

The official revealed that Community Health Promoters (CHPs) have taken a leading role in screening residents for hypertension and diabetes by checking blood pressure and sugar levels at the household level.

Beyond screening, he said the county has intensified advocacy and public education campaigns targeting risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases.

“Our message is that they need to know their numbers by checking their blood pressure regularly. Controlling hypertension is a shared responsibility involving individuals, families, community, health workers/promoters, partners and the county government,” he noted.

Maling’a urged residents to take advantage of the free integrated screening services including high blood pressure (hypertension), breast cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer and colon cancer.

Deputy County Director of Health Dr Emma Nyaboke said early screening and timely treatment can save lives and improve health outcomes for individuals and families.

She urged residents to take advantage of the screening exercise to know their health status, receive professional medical advice and learn more about disease prevention and healthy living.

Bungoma County Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Simon Kisaka said hypertension remains a major health challenge and stressed the need to sensitise residents on the importance of early screening.

Dr Kisaka urged the county health executive to empower CHPs, saying they play a critical role in visiting homes and screening residents.

“Early screening and detection can lead to proper treatment, which is why we encourage people to visit health facilities for screening. On matters of hypertension, one in every four adults above 18 years is hypertensive, while one in every two people above 50 years has the condition. It is a major problem among us,” he said.