Despite being among leading causes of death globally, Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health programmes lack adequate donor support and are heavily underfunded.
In a detailed presentation during an NCDs Advocacy Entities Meeting at Edge Water Court in Lilongwe, head of Mental Health Department at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) Tommy Mthepeya said unless stakeholders do more on the issue of funding, the two conditions will continue to claim lives.
network is needed. | Steven Pembamoyo
“We need integrated care models, increased funding and capacity building to improve Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health service delivery in the country,” he said.
He said obstacles such as resource constraints, fragmented care systems, stigma and obstacles to care, infrastructure and logistics challenges, poor referral systems and lack of awareness and education are impacting negatively in NCDs and mental health interventions.
Some of the common NCDs are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases while depression, anxiety and substance use disorders are common examples of metal health disorders.
While exact figures vary, World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics suggest that 32 to 35 percent of deaths in Malawi are attributed to NCDs. Specifically, it is reported that 43 500 people die from NCDs annually while 119 people die daily from NCDs in Malawi.
NCD Alliance vice chairperson Samuel Kumwanje said the Network embarked on a three-year advocacy Institute Accelerator Programme in 2023 to advocate for increased public demand for NCD services and funding, strengthen networking among players and ensure that national and district budgets consider NCD funding.
“We want to advocate with one voice to make an impact, we have noted that isolated interventions cannot yield anything as much. That is why a strong network is needed,” he said.
NCD Alliance coordinator Esther Nyirenda said apart from enhancing coordination among players, the network will also be responsible for identifying partners from the private sector and ensure publicity of its programmes
