40 percent of deaths in Zimbabwe caused by non-communicable diseases

Robin Muchetu,Health and Gender Editor

ABOUT 40 percent of deaths recorded in Zimbabwe in 2024 were as a result of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory illness.

NCDs are those diseases that cannot be passed from person to person but are a leading cause of death throughout the world today.

The Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora that diseases remain a major concern in Zimbabwe and the world over.

“The Ministry responds that NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory illness and cancers, accounted for approximately 40 percent of all deaths in Zimbabwe in 2024, consistent with global trends and as part of WHO, that is the World Health Organisation, data indicating NCDs remain a major health burden,” said Dr Mombeshora.

In an effort to curb the trend of more people dying from NCD’s the Government has implemented a comprehensive plan to ensure people live more healthier lifestyles.

“These include promoting healthier lifestyles through public education campaigns on diet, physical activities, tobacco and alcohol reduction and also implementing targeted fiscal measures, including taxes on fast food, that is 0.5 percent levy on items like pizza, fries or hot dogs to discourage unhealthy consumption,” he said.

Dr Mombeshora said they are also scaling up community exercise initiatives such as fitness clubs in public spaces, walkathons and marathons, which are held by different organisations to enhance physical activity, particularly among vulnerable groups.

The Ministry said they are also strengthening NCD screening and treatment across primary and secondary health facilities, ensuring early detection and continued care, including increased training for health care workers.

Furthermore, the Ministry is integrating NCD services into mental, neonatal and child health programmes to protect at-risk populations and enhance early diagnosis.

“Through these measures, the Government is addressing both risk factors and care delivery to reverse the upward trajectory of NCD-related deaths,” said Dr Mombeshora.