Hypertension is emerging as the most common health condition among patients seeking healthcare services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Vihiga County, in western Kenya.

Speaking ahead of the Devolution Conference that started on August 12 in Homa Bay County, Nambasa Philemon, integrated NCD clinician at PEN-plus NCD Clinic at Hamisi Sub-County Hospital, said that out of 700 patients screened so far this year, hypertension ranks highest.

“We encourage people to come for screening because some patients do not show symptoms,” he urged, adding that community health providers are conducting home visits to offer screening and refer patients to the clinic.

Nambasa noted that during the devolution conference scheduled to start on August 12, the clinic will showcase and educate the public on the shift in disease trends from infectious diseases such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis to NCDs like hypertension, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, asthma and sickle-cell anaemia, which are more prevalent in Vihiga and other Lak Victoria Basin counties.

“Teenagers will learn that sickle-cell anaemia is preventable if carriers avoid intermarriage,” he said.

The clinic, which primarily focuses on NCDs, will also display patient education materials and equipment including lung function test machines, cardiac ultrasound and electrocardiogram (ECG) devices during the conference

On cervical cancer screening, Nambasa explained that clients can collect their own samples and bring them to the clinic, where results are provided within 14 days. “We want people to know how to access these kits and the treatment services available,” he added.

According health ministry reports, the country is experiencing an epidemiological transition in its disease burden from predominantly communicable diseases to a rapidly rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries, resulting in a “triple burden of disease” that is in turn straining the health system.

Approximately 54 per cent of deaths are due to communicable, maternal and neonatal causes, while injuries account for 7 per cent of deaths. Approximately 39 per cent of deaths in the country are as a result of NCDs, up from 27 per cent in 2014. It is projected that deaths from NCDs will increase by 55 per cent while those from injuries will increase by 25 per cent by 2030.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Rose Wasike