WAF-Mwanza: The Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Grace Magembe, has urged Tanzanians to take concrete steps to change their lifestyle to combat the increase in non-communicable diseases, stressing that such changes can significantly reduce the burden of these diseases in the country.
Speaking at the launch of the “Jua namba zako” campaign held in Mwanza, May 4, 2026, Dr. Magembe said that international statistics show a significant increase in non-communicable disease patients, from one million people in 2021 to 6.5 million people currently.
He said diseases such as high blood pressure and stroke mostly affect people between the ages of 30 and 45, who are the main workforce of the Nation and warned that, the continuation of the situation could weaken the economy of families and the nation as a whole, as medical costs are high and often many citizens cannot afford it
“The cost of blood filtration services is estimated to be between 150,000 to 300,000 shillings for one service, which places a heavy burden on many families, so I emphasize that prevention is better than cure and that the easiest and most effective way is to change your lifestyle”, said Dr. Magembe.
Dr. Magembe has emphasized citizens to reduce excessive salt and sugar consumption, exercise regularly including walking at least 10,000 steps a day, avoid alcohol and cigarettes, as well as reduce the consumption of high fat in foods.
Dr. Magembe said that it is not necessary for a person to go to gyms to be healthy, but daily life discipline is the main basis for protecting oneself from these diseases.
“The “Jua Namba Zako” campaign aims to motivate citizens to understand the state of their health by measuring important indicators such as blood pressure, sugar level and heart rate, so that they can take appropriate action early.
Dr. Magembe emphasized that the success of the fight against non-communicable diseases depends on everyone’s cooperation, encouraging the community to take responsibility for protecting their health by making the right decisions every day.
