The Ministry of Health and Population has announced that all preparations for the nationwide campaign against non-communicable diseases, which is set to launch on Thursday, have been completed.

The month-long campaign aims to raise awareness about the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country. As part of the campaign, free testing for hypertension, diabetes, renal function, and body mass index measurement will be provided at health facilities run by local governments.

“We hope this campaign will help people understand the growing threat of non-communicable diseases in our country,” said Dr Pomawati Thapa, chief of the Mental Health Section at the division.

Studies show that non-communicable diseases are responsible for around 80 percent of the total deaths, including deaths from injuries and accidents.

Hypertension, diabetes, renal disease, liver problems, heart problems, and cervical cancer, among others, have emerged as leading causes of death in recent years, accounting for around 80 percent of total deaths.

According to a 2019 study on the prevalence of non-communicable diseases by the Nepal Health Research Council, 71 percent of total deaths at present were due to non-communicable diseases, and an additional eight percent of deaths were linked to injuries.

The study was primarily focused on behavioural risk factors like tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as biological risk factors like high blood pressure, overweight, obesity, abnormal lipid levels, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes.

Officials hope that free screenings for non-communicable diseases will help raise awareness about risk factors and ultimately help reduce the disease burden.

“Most patients suffering from non-communicable diseases seek treatment only when their conditions worsen,” said Thapa. “In many cases, it is already too late. If problems are identified early, they can often be prevented. Prevention costs far less than treatment.”

Early diagnosis and precautionary measures can prevent minor health problems from becoming serious, doctors say.

Public health experts say it is high time to focus on non-communicable diseases, as their prevalence has raised alarmingly. They say many lives could be saved if testing of non-communicable diseases is made free.

Along with free testing, authorities should focus on behavioural changes—improvements in eating habits and physical exercises, among other things.

Several studies have shown alarming signs on a number of issues, including growing consumption of alcohol, tobacco, salt, and junk food, as well as insufficient intake of vegetables and fruits, which ultimately lead to cardiovascular diseases. Doctors say that along with ensuring free screening and treatment, authorities, efforts should be made to raise awareness about lifestyle changes and associated risks.