Zambia’s health system experiencing dual disease burden challenge – Health Minister

Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya

Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya has observed Zambia’s health system is experiencing a challenge of a dual disease burden of both non communicable and communicable diseases.

Speaking at the United Nations inter agency task force prevention and control of non communicable diseases in Lusaka today, Dr. Chilufya says non communicable diseases are particularly seen to negatively affect the economic growth as they perpetuate poverty, chronic illness and in certain instances causing permanent disability and premature death.

Dr. Chilufya says the call to action to prevent, control and reduce non communicable diseases require team work, networking and a multi sectoral approach.

He notes that these diseases are preventable, controllable and that treatment is available in the health facilities across the country.

Dr. Chilufya explains that lifestyles that pose the danger of non communicable diseases include inadequate physical activity, poor eating habits, alcohol abuse and smoking.

He further states that choices people make and their lifestyles determine the overall outcome of non communicable diseases.