About NCDs

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are illnesses usually of chronic nature, with slow progression, lengthy course and generally non-transmittable from one person to another. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are common NCDs that share common risk factors, namely heart diseases, cancers, diabetes, chronic lung diseases, and mental health conditions. Other conditions of relevance to Kenya include nervous system disorders, sickle cell disease, arthritis, thyroid disorders, lupus, psoriasis, downs’ syndrome, congenital conditions, injuries, epilepsy, dementia, kidney disease, stroke among other over 20 different conditions. We are all at risk. NCDs affect people of all ages, gender, race both rich and poor and are the second leading cause of death and disability in Kenya.