Ushirika Wema in collaboration with Ahadi Kenya Trust has launched a communicable diseases testing exercise for the elderly in Murang’a County.
Speaking at Kagunduini grounds Kandara, the Ushirika Wema chairperson and also the spouse of the prime cabinet secretary of Kenya, Musalia Mudavadi, HE Madam Tessie Musalia observed that advocating for early screening is pivotal in managing the now prevalent Non-communicable disease.
“Early screening of diabetes and hypertension among the elderly will go a long way in fighting its prevalence, especially among the older people as they are mostly at risk of getting the diseases, “she said.
“Age comes with challenges in their health and the prevalence of these conditions among the elderly is a pressing concern that requires proactive measures” she added
The Community Health Promoters will be the drivers of the campaign and will help in monitoring and promoting early detection through their routine home visits to the elderly in their homes.
“Detecting any irregularities will enable timely intervention and management to make a substantial difference in the quality of life for the elderly” noted Ahadi Kenya Trust CEO Dr Stanley Kamau.
“As Ahadi Kenya and Ushirika Wema we will add more kits so that more elderly persons will be reached as most of them cannot get to the hospital due to the severity of the conditions” he added.
Kamau notes that most ailing and elderly people lack the resources to take them to health facilities as some are located in far-off areas.
Over 300 elderly women were checked for hypertension and diabetes.
They also received blankets and food essentials.
Hypertension is a significant contributor to most cardiovascular diseases and the second most common cause of mortalities in Kenya.
Notably, the burden of hypertension is on the rise mostly due to unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles, and effective intervention includes screening, early identification, and early initiation of treatment to manage it.
Diabetes on the other side can be managed through blood sugar monitoring and including a well-balanced diet, being physically active, and avoiding stress
One of the beneficiaries, 80-year-old Peris Njoki Muciri lauded the initiative noting that it was a relief to the many elderly people who are ailing.
“Apart from having my blood sugar and blood pressure checked, I have also been advised on how to live a healthy lifestyle and keep the diseases at bay.
By Florence Kinyua
