Working in partnership to develop sustainable non-Communicable disease services in ethiopia
To date, the global health community has focused primarily on the eradication of infectious diseases like malaria and improving maternal and child health. As a result, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases have been neglected. This has had a devastating impact on health. NCDs kill now 42 million people each year, equivalent to 74% of all deaths globally.
In Ethiopia, NCDs are becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly among the rural population. The resulting morbidity and mortality burden is high, with 43% of all deaths due to NCDs and their complications.
We are facing a crisis. Without change, patients will continue to lose their lives to preventable and treatable conditions.
WHY
NCDs?
Lamessa
GP, Ras Desta Damtew Hospital
"I think that decentralising care through NCD training is a good way to extend healthcare to the community. Health extension workers and health officers can provide a remedy for the communities that cannot access a physician."
Dasash
Health Extension Worker, Addis Ababa
"There are 20 HEWs in this catchment area and each one is responsible for around 500 households. We cover the four main NCDs prevalent in this area: hypertension, epilepsy, asthma and diabetes."
Million
Public Health Officer,
Nefas Silk Lafto Health Centre
"Before the training there was no chronic NCD department at this centre; hypertension and diabetes were always treated elsewhere. There is now a separate chronic department."