Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a silent crisis in Kenya, claiming thousands of lives each year. Determined to reverse this trend, a dedicated group of health professionals is urging Kenyans to take action by monitoring five critical health indicators: blood pressure, blood cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.
Doctors for Healthy Living, the organization spearheading this effort, has launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness and offer practical solutions. Dr. Geoffrey Mutuma, a consultant pathologist, researcher, and the driving force behind the campaign, emphasized the life-saving potential of this initiative.
“Every Kenyan should know these five key numbers,” Dr. Mutuma said. “They reveal your risk of developing serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Regular monitoring can save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.”
A 2015 national health survey known as the STEPwise Survey for Non-Communicable Diseases exposed a sobering reality: NCDs account for more than half of hospital admissions and over 55 percent of hospital deaths in Kenya. The most common NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Despite these alarming statistics, many Kenyans remain unaware of the dangers. Dr. Mutuma warned that a lack of awareness often leads to tragic outcomes.
“People lose their lives or suffer permanent disabilities simply because they didn’t know they were at risk,” he said. “By knowing your numbers early, you can take steps to avoid unnecessary suffering.”
Dr. Mutuma also pointed to several risk factors within people’s control such as physical inactivity, poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity as well as family history, which can increase the likelihood of developing NCDs.
“Our goal is to empower people with information that helps them make healthier choices,” he explained. “When people understand their health status, they’re more likely to take action and protect themselves and their families.”
To bring this message to communities, Doctors for Healthy Living has launched the “Know Your Numbers” Health Camp. These outreach events offer free health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, BMI, and waist circumference.
“We’re encouraging people to pay attention to their diet, stay active, and regularly check their weight and blood pressure,” Dr. Mutuma said. “What you eat and how you live today will determine your health in the future.”
For 55-year-old Chris Irungu, the campaign became a turning point. A routine check-up revealed he was overweight and at high risk due to his family history of diabetes and hypertension. That discovery pushed him to change his habits.
“I started running 10 kilometers every weekend,” Irungu shared. “The doctors explained the importance of staying physically fit and regularly checking my blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. It changed my life.”
Irungu’s experience highlights a crucial truth: early prevention is not just healthier it’s also cheaper.
“It’s much more expensive to treat NCDs that have already progressed,” he said. “Knowing your numbers early gives you a chance to make lifestyle changes before it’s too late.”
Dr. Mutuma noted that one in every three Kenyans may be living with an undiagnosed NCD. Many people only seek medical help when the disease has advanced, leading to higher treatment costs and lower survival rates.
“That’s why we’re bringing these services directly to communities,” he said. “By creating awareness and making testing more accessible, we can reduce the devastating impact of NCDs across Kenya.”
As Kenya confronts this growing health challenge, the message from Doctors for Healthy Living is clear: know your numbers, take control of your health, and secure a longer, healthier life.
