3281: Rising Non-Communicable Diseases Burden Puts Focus on Prevention in South Sudan
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This episode of Radio Miraya's Mirai Breakfast Show sheds light on the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Sudan, including diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, which now account for nearly 30% of national deaths. Host Hamish engages Stephen Kamis, Capacity and Development Director of the newly formed South Sudan Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (SSNCDA), to discuss the silent epidemic, its root causes—poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and limited access to screening and medication—and the urgent need for prevention. Kamis emphasizes that NCDs are no longer just diseases of older adults, with rising cases among people as young as 30, driven largely by lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, unregulated eating habits, and sedentary behavior. The alliance is working with the Ministry of Health to launch awareness campaigns through university clubs and health facilities, while also advocating for affordable access to essential medicines through global partnerships. The episode concludes with a call to action for volunteers to join the SSNCDA ahead of its official launch in June 2026.
Non-communicable diseases now cause nearly 30% of deaths in South Sudan, making them a leading public health crisis.
Lifestyle factors—poor diet, alcohol use, lack of exercise, and chronic stress—are major drivers of NCDs, even among young adults.
Early screening is critical for effective management, but access to essential medications like antihypertensives remains limited due to funding constraints.
The South Sudan NCD Alliance is launching awareness initiatives in universities and health facilities to promote prevention and early detection.
Communities can reduce NCD risk by balancing exercise with healthy eating, managing stress, and supporting one another emotionally.
Introduction to the NCD Crisis in South Sudan
“Almost 29 to 30 percent of the deaths in South Sudan caused by non-communicable diseases.”
Establishing the South Sudan NCD Alliance
Stephen Kamis explains the formation of the South Sudan Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance, born from a realization that South Sudan was absent from the global NCD network, and outlines its founding partners and mission.
Causes and Silent Nature of NCDs
“Someone at the age of 30 is already having hypertension. This was rare in the past.”
Barriers to Screening and Treatment
“You can screen and diagnose, but then you have to go and buy the drugs outside. And guess what? They are very expensive.”
Prevention, Awareness, and Call to Action
“We need to balance this. If we're doing exercise, what other things do we need to do to take precaution?”
“You can screen and diagnose, but then you have to go and buy the drugs outside. And guess what? They are very expensive.”
“Almost 29 to 30 percent of the deaths in South Sudan caused by non-communicable diseases.”
“Someone at the age of 30 is already having hypertension. This was rare in the past.”
Host
Guest
Stephen Kamis
person
South Sudan Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance
organization
Hamish
person
Ministry of Health
organization
World Health Organization
organization
Gudele
place
Juba University
organization
Catholic University
organization
Nairobi
place
Upper Nile University
organization
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