Cancer, diabetes and heart disease are among the ailments that officials hope to tackle with a new national strategy to help prevent chronic non-communicable diseases.
The strategy, which was laid on the table of the House of Assembly on Sept. 6, outlines a ten-year national framework for system-wide strategic action, according to Government Information Services.
The strategy calls for action from the public and private sector, as well as non-governmental organisations.
It also requires the government to consider new policy initiatives in all ministries designed to promote healthy activities: exercising; eating low-salt food; not smoking; drinking less alcohol; and reducing stress, among others.
The strategy “is designed to provide a unifying framework for chronic disease prevention and management that will ensure that actions at all levels, and by all sectors, are mutually supportive,” according to GIS.
See the Oct. 6, 2011 edition for full coverage.