04/12/2025
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes and hypertension, pose a significant and growing global public health challenge. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that NCDs account for a substantial majority of all deaths worldwide. Developing nations, including Kenya, are disproportionately affected, facing a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Hypertension and diabetes frequently coexist, and their co-occurrence significantly increases the risk of severe complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, disability, and premature death. For example, studies show the co-existence of these two conditions can increase the risk of death and cardiovascular events exponentially compared to having either condition alone.
In Kenya, available data suggests notable prevalence rates for these conditions; however, low awareness, inadequate screening strategies, poverty, and health system factors often lead to an underestimation of the true burden. Many individuals in resource-limited settings remain undiagnosed or undertreated due to limited access to healthcare and the high cost of long-term medication and management services. This results in a substantial financial burden on patients and their families, with uninsured patients often facing catastrophic healthcare expenditure.
A community-based approach is recognized as one of the most cost-effective solutions for NCD prevention and control. CBOs are vital in this effort due to their ability to mobilize communities, deliver culturally appropriate health education, and provide accessible, grassroots-level support.
