Health Sector

In Uganda, where acute, infectious, communicable diseases still contribute the major (75%) disease burden; with malaria, acute respiratory infections, and HIV/AIDS among the top 10 causes of illness and deaths, the burden of NCDs is markedly increasing posing a threat of double epidemics of communicable and non-communicable diseases. 50,000 individuals were affected by diabetes in the year 2003, and a 10-fold increase is projected in the cases of diabetes by 2025 if no interventions are initiated. Estimates suggest that as many as 8% of people living in Kampala have type 2 diabetes

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) mainly cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes—are the world’s biggest killers. More than 36 million people die annually from NCDs (63% of global deaths), including more than 14 million people who die too young between the ages of 30 and 70. Low- and middle-income countries already bear 86% of the burden of these premature deaths, resulting in cumulative economic losses of US$7 trillion over the next 15 years and millions of people trapped in poverty

Most of these premature deaths from NCDs are largely preventable by enabling health systems to respond more effectively and equitably to the health-care needs of people with NCDs, and influencing public policies in sectors outside health that tackle shared risk factors—namely tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and the harmful use of alcohol.It’s against this background that AYADO I partnering with the government of Ugnada to help curb this escalating vice and help communities raise awareness and capacities to fight and reduce NCDs in our communities.

AYADO is promoting communal health and peace by making communities aware of dangers of key drivers of NCDs such as tobacco and alcohol consumption most especially for the non-prequalified locally highly toxic beverages such as “Ajono/Marwa, Waragi” to reduce consumption and save human lives, disseminate information on Legal restrictions on the marketing of certain harmful food and alcoholic beverages to children, public and community education regarding NCDs causes and mitigation measures, Facilitate community dialogues to build consensus and support development of bye laws regulating alcohol and tobacco usage in Amuria District.

Further, we are facilitating local leader in enforcement of bye laws that seek to regulate alcohol and tobacco consumption by conducting radio talk shows with Police Crime Prevention Unit to educate communities on the dangers of alcohol and tobacco and NCDs in general.

We work in close coordination with government agencies (Uganda Local government officials, police, Policy and decision-makers, Teachers, Health care professionals, Other Development partners within the community, Community leaders (Local Council officials) Parents, Village Health Teams (VHTs), Community groups and Religious leaders in the project design and implementation.