Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses and chronic respiratory conditions accounted for approximately 40 percent of all deaths in Zimbabwe in 2024, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has confirmed.
The new data underscores the growing burden of lifestyle-related illnesses, which are emerging as a major public health challenge both locally and globally.
Deputy Minister of Health, Sleiman Kwidini, revealed the figures during Wednesday’s Question and Answer session in the National Assembly.
Responding to an inquiry from Emakhandeni-Luveve legislator, Mr Collins Bajila, Deputy Minister Kwidini confirmed that Zimbabwe’s NCD mortality rate reflects a broader international trend.
“NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory illness and cancers, accounted for approximately 40 percent of all deaths in Zimbabwe in 2024, consistent with global trends and as part of WHO, that is the World Health Organisation, data indicating NCDs remain a major health burden.”
NCDs, unlike infectious diseases, are not caused by pathogens and are often linked to environmental, genetic and behavioural factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.
In Zimbabwe, changing lifestyles, increased urbanisation and limited public awareness have contributed to the growing prevalence of these conditions.
To address this, the Deputy Minister outlined the Government’s comprehensive strategy aimed at preventing and managing NCDs.
The plan focuses on public education, behaviour change, fiscal policy and improved access to healthcare services.
“To curb this concerning trend, the Government has implemented a comprehensive plan which includes promoting healthier lifestyles through public education campaigns on diet, physical activities, tobacco and alcohol reduction,” said Deputy Minister Kwadini.
He said a key part of the strategy is the introduction of targeted taxes on foods linked to unhealthy diets.
The Government has imposed a 0,5 percent levy on certain fast food items such as pizza, hot dogs, and fries, foods that are often high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats.
“We have implemented targeted fiscal measures, including a 0,5 percent levy on items like pizza, fries or hot dogs,” he said.
“We are scaling up community exercise initiatives such as fitness clubs, walkathons and marathons to enhance physical activity, particularly among vulnerable groups.
“We are also strengthening NCD screening and treatment across health facilities to ensure early detection and continued care.”
The Deputy Minister added that services targeting NCDs are being integrated into mental, neonatal and child health programmes to enhance early detection, especially among vulnerable groups.
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