This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
As Kenya nears the 7000 mark in COVID-19 cases, the Ministry of Health has sounded a warning about the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the country's response to the pandemic.
According to Dr. Aman, the Ministry has prioritized halting and reversing the NCD burden in the Big Four Agenda, under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) pillar.
Dr. Aman noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of people living with NCDs, and that the Ministry, in collaboration with County Governments, has put up measures to ensure that NCD clinics remain operational during this period.
He called upon people living with diabetes and hypertension to consume healthy diets based on locally available foods, emphasizing that a balanced diet is critical for preventing and managing NCDs and their related complications during the COVID-19 season and beyond.
Dr. Aman urged those who adhere to a healthy diet to maintain acceptable blood sugar levels, manage their blood pressure levels, and maintain ideal body weight.
The Ministry of Health has provided guidelines for a healthy diet, which includes eating the right portion of whole grains and cereals, consuming plenty of vegetables and fruits, eating a variety of protein foods, and taking fat-free or low-fat dairy and dairy products.
Restricted amounts of sugar, salt, alcohol, trans fats, and saturated fats from animal sources and fatty meats are also recommended.
