This archive report was first published on 4 January 2020.
On February 8th, 2020, Amref Health Africa and Tatu City will come together to host a groundbreaking family wellness festival at the Tatu City Events Ground. This event aims to combat the rising cases of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases in Kenya.
According to the World Health Organisation, deaths from non-communicable diseases are projected to exceed the combined deaths of communicable and nutritional diseases and maternal and perinatal deaths by 2030. In Kenya, non-communicable diseases contribute to 50 percent of hospital admissions and 55 percent of hospital deaths.
Amref Health Africa's country Director, Dr Meshack Ndirangu, expressed the organisation's commitment to changing the narrative on non-communicable and lifestyle diseases in Kenya. He stated, 'Making low cost but high impact investments in NCD prevention through proper family diets and physical activity, coupled with regular wellness screening, is a step towards changing this.'
World Champion Runner Lorna Kiplagat, who is the Tatu City and Amref Health and Wellness Ambassador, will preside over the family fun run on the day. The festival will include family-friendly activities such as inline skating, dance, a 25 kilometre cycling circuit, a 7.5 km family fun run, yoga, live cooking demonstrations, entertainment, a children's play area, and free family wellness check-ups.
Speaking about the partnership between Amref and Tatu City, Jacqueline Maigua, Head of Urban Management for Tatu City, said, 'Tatu City is designed for life with health and wellness at its core. Thirty per cent of Tatu City is reserved for green and open space. Trails for running and cycle paths are designed into the landscape and road infrastructure.'
