A Health Promotion Campaign on the theme “A Healthy Nation”, aimed at sensitising the population on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and raising awareness on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, was launched, on 26 November 2022, at Plaisance Shopping Mall in Rose Belle.
The Campaign is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the National Insurance Company, Diabetes Foundation Mauritius, Heart Foundation Mauritius, and Sustainable Properties Development Limited.
The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Jagutpal; Government Chief Whip, Ms Naveena Ramyead; Member of Parliament, Ms Teenah Jutton; and other eminent personalities were also present.
In his address, Dr Jagutpal recalled that the prevalence of NCDs in Mauritius is very high such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. He recalled that last year, Government has disbursed some Rs 8 billion in the treatment of NCDs and Rs 1,2 billion in cardiovascular diseases. Hence the need, he stated, to pursue a healthy lifestyle to decrease the risk of diseases.
Speaking about the Health Promotion Campaign, the Health Minister underlined that it will comprise screening campaigns throughout the country by Mobile Clinics. The Programme, he indicated, will help in the detection of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and other health issues. Officers of the Ministry of Health and Wellness will also conduct counseling sessions and raise awareness on risk factors such as smoking, excessive drinking of alcohol, leading a sedentary lifestyle and consumption of unhealthy food, he said.
He underlined that 12 strategic places have been identified for the sensitisation campaign while recalling that the Health Promotion Campaign has already been launched at Grand Baie and Phoenix Mall.
Dr Jagutpal further dwelt on the findings of the Mauritius NCD Survey 2021 which reveal that 40,2% of the adult population aged 25 to 74 years is practicing at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily compared to 23,7% in 2015. The prevalence of diabetes has also decreased from 22,8% in 2015 to 19,9% in 2021. The number of smokers and the percentage of obesity have also decreased, he stated.
He urged people to be present during prevention campaigns and to make the most of the screening tests and counseling as well as other health services that are provided. He also appealed to the population to decrease their alcohol consumption, to practice a regular physical activity, to consume fruits and vegetables daily, and to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
