Imagine a country where thousands of lives are lost each year to silent killers like diabetes and hypertension, disproportionately affecting the poorest communities. This is the grim reality in Kenya, where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are wreaking havoc on public health. But here's where it gets hopeful: a global pharmaceutical giant, Boehringer Ingelheim, is stepping up to tackle this crisis head-on.
In a bold move, Boehringer Ingelheim has partnered with organizations like Ampath, Lions Eye Hospital, MEDS, and Zuri Health to launch the Access to Healthcare (ATH) program in Kenya. Since its inception in 2022, this initiative has been a lifeline for the underserved, providing not just treatment but also affordable, high-quality medicines to those battling diabetes and hypertension.
Hale Erkol, the company’s head of sustainable development for generations (IMETA), shared in Nairobi that over 142,000 patients were enrolled in the pilot phase, with an additional 8,400 joining last year. “Our goal is to close the critical gaps in healthcare through innovative, community-driven interventions,” Erkol explained. This isn’t just about medicine—it’s about empowering communities to take charge of their health.
And this is the part most people miss: while NCDs affect all socio-economic groups, those in informal settlements bear the brunt due to limited access to quality care. Experts highlight that over 50% of hospital admissions and 55% of hospital deaths in Kenya are linked to NCDs. The 2015 Kenya STEPwise survey revealed alarming numbers: 35% of adults aged 18-69 have hypertension, and 6.5% have diabetes.
So, what’s fueling this epidemic? Unhealthy lifestyles—physical inactivity, poor diets, stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity—are major culprits. Dr. George Kuria, Boehringer Ingelheim’s Sub-Saharan head of product management, emphasizes prevention: “We’re encouraging healthy lifestyles and fostering a culture of proactive health-seeking behavior.” Since the program’s launch, over 180,000 people have been educated on NCD prevention, and countless others have received treatment.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While prevention is key, some argue that systemic issues like poverty and lack of infrastructure are the real barriers to tackling NCDs. What do you think? Is it enough to focus on individual behavior, or should we demand broader systemic changes?
Dr. Rilwan Adan from Lions Eye Hospital calls diabetes and hypertension “highly individualistic” diseases, urging people, especially those with obesity, to prioritize weight loss. “Shedding pounds can reduce the number of medications needed,” he notes. Yet, the International Diabetes Federation predicts a staggering 114% increase in diabetes cases in Africa by 2045. By 2050, one in eight adults globally—approximately 853 million people—will live with diabetes, with over 90% having type 2, driven by socio-economic, environmental, and genetic factors.
Dr. Antony Ndegwa from Zuri Health stresses the importance of early diagnosis: “Catching diabetes and hypertension early can prevent or delay complications.”
This initiative is more than a program—it’s a call to action. What’s your take? Are we doing enough to combat NCDs, or is there more we should be doing? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could save lives.
