Tackling Liberia’s Rising Epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases: A Call for Action

The article addresses the rising threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Liberia, with a focus on diabetes and hypertension. It highlights personal stories, particularly that of nurse Kulah Quaqua, who struggles to manage her condition without adequate resources and support. Experts advocate for a nationally coordinated approach to address health education, improve food access, and implement systemic changes in healthcare and agriculture to combat the NCD epidemic in Liberia.

Kulah Quaqua, a nurse from Liberia, balances her demanding job with caregiving for three young children, often compromising her health with convenience foods rich in fats and sugars. Like many women in Liberia, she rarely prioritizes check-ups or exercise due to overwhelming responsibilities. Eventually, she experienced troubling health symptoms that led to a diabetes diagnosis, highlighting a lack of awareness regarding the disease’s connection to lifestyle choices among healthcare professionals themselves.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancers are on the rise in Liberia, with experts indicating that NCDs represent a forthcoming epidemic in the country. Dr. Clement Peter, the outgoing World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, emphasizes the alarming prevalence of these conditions, asserting that many cases go undiagnosed and untreated due to limited access to healthcare and proper resources.

The majority of NCDs are preventable and exist primarily due to unhealthy dietary habits and lifestyle choices. Despite potential genetic factors, the lack of information and affordable resources are significant barriers. Kulah’s struggles to manage her condition reflect the broader challenge faced by many Liberians living with diabetes and other NCDs who often rely on expensive medications without understanding lifestyle interventions that may mitigate their health issues.

Liberia’s healthcare system has been slow to recognize the urgency of addressing NCDs. After her diagnosis, Kulah sought help but faced a frustrating experience navigating hospitals and managing complex treatment plans. Her conditions worsened, leading her to seek medical attention in Rwanda, where dietary changes provided her with relief and insight into necessary lifestyle adjustments.

Upon returning to Liberia, Kulah found it difficult to maintain her new diet due to limited access to fresh produce and high prices for healthy foods. Dr. Peter advocates for an integrated approach to combat NCDs in Liberia, urging government collaboration across various ministries to raise awareness, improve food access, and modify policies affecting dietary habits.

The agricultural landscape in Liberia struggles to meet the demands for healthier food options, with most farming being subsistence-based and logistics for transporting perishable goods severely limited. Agro Tech CEO Jonathan Stewart emphasizes the need for governmental investment in infrastructure to enhance food systems and increase the availability of nutritious vegetables and fruits.

Individuals living with NCDs often face financial burdens; while medications may be accessible, the costs of necessary supplies can be prohibitive. Such is the case with William Pewu, who, despite health insurance, struggles to afford essential glucose testing supplies. His experience illustrates the pressing need for broader systemic changes to support individuals managing chronic health issues effectively.

Despite recent policy initiatives from the Ministry of Health aimed at integrating NCD awareness into healthcare, there remains a notable deficiency in resources and access to care. Reports from hospitals reveal a growing influx of patients seeking treatment for diabetes, indicating an increasing recognition of the condition’s seriousness among the population.

In conclusion, the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Liberia, particularly diabetes and hypertension, underscores a severe public health crisis that demands immediate, coordinated action. While lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce these health risks, barriers such as limited access to fresh food, high medical expenses, and poor healthcare infrastructure inhibit effective disease management. A collaborative, multi-sectoral approach combining agricultural reform, public health education, and regulatory policies is necessary to facilitate healthier living conditions for the populace. Moving forward, a concentrated effort by the Liberian government, healthcare professionals, and communities is essential in combating this looming epidemic.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com