National screening campaign for non-communicable diseases launched in Lomé
- Posted on 11/02/2026 14:54
- Film
- By raymonddzakpata@sante-education.tg
Extract from the article: The Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) Surveillance Division, with the support of the Muslim Union of Togo (UMT), launched an awareness and screening campaign for high blood pressure (HBP), diabetes, and obesity on Monday, February 9, 2026, in Lomé...
The
Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) Surveillance Division, with the support of the
Muslim Union of Togo (UMT), launched an awareness and screening campaign for
high blood pressure (HBP), diabetes, and obesity on Monday, February 9, 2026,
in Lomé, running from February 9 to 13, 2026. This initiative comes as Ramadan
approaches. It aims to inform and support Muslim worshippers so that they can
observe the fast in conditions compatible with their state of health. The
launch ceremony, presided over by Dr. Kokou Wotobé, Secretary General of the
Ministry of Health. It was attended by the President of the Muslim Union of Togo,
El Hadj Inoussa Bouraïma, and the President of the Management Committee of the
Maison du Hadj, General Atcha Titikpina, reflecting the commitment of religious
leaders to promoting community health.
According
to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS surveys, the prevalence
of high blood pressure has risen from 19% in 2010 to 27.4% in 2021. At the same
time, overweight and obesity now affect 30.8% of the population, compared to
21.6% a decade ago.
“Noncommunicable
diseases are now the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 74% of
deaths. In Togo, the epidemiological transition is a reality that places a
double burden on our health system,” the secretary general emphasized.
He
emphasized the need for collective, sustained, and multisectoral action to curb
the spread of these diseases. According to him, these days dedicated to NCDs
aim in particular to raise awareness of preventable risk factors such as
smoking, harmful alcohol consumption, poor diet, and physical inactivity,
promote early detection and integrated patient care, encourage the adoption of
healthy behaviors from an early age, and mobilize public decision-makers, local
authorities, civil society, and the private sector around prevention.
The
main objective of this campaign is to increase public awareness of
noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors. A total of 1,500 people are
expected to benefit from awareness sessions on the complications associated
with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
At
the same time, 500 visitors will undergo clinical screening, including the
measurement of anthropometric parameters (weight, height, abdominal
circumference) and the calculation of body mass index (BMI). Blood pressure and
blood sugar checks are also planned. People showing signs of hypertension or
hyperglycemia will be immediately referred to appropriate healthcare facilities
for appropriate treatment.
Through this initiative, health authorities aim to promote early screening, which is key to preventing serious complications such as strokes, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease.
The head of the NCD Surveillance Division, Prof. Belo Mofou, explained that the choice of the period preceding Ramadan is not insignificant. Fasting changes eating habits and biological rhythms, sometimes leading to increased consumption of sugars and fats when breaking the fast.
In addition, a new STEPS survey is planned for 2026 to update epidemiological data and refine national strategies for combating noncommunicable diseases.Through
this initiative, the Ministry of Health reaffirms its commitment to making
prevention and early detection major priorities in the face of the silent but
steady progression of chronic diseases in Togo.
Raymond
DZAKPATA
