In today’s fast-paced world, health is often something we take for granted until we are forced to confront it head-on. However, the majority of diseases affecting millions of people globally are preventable. 75% of diseases in Uganda can be prevented through lifestyle changes and early intervention. This statistic carries a powerful message that we hold the key to our own health in many cases, and taking steps today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.
As a key contributor to the health care system in Uganda, National Medical Stores (NMS), a government agency mandated to procure, store and distribute essential medicines and health supplies to all public health facilities in Uganda joins several other voices in the public health sector to advocate for disease prevention practices among Ugandans. NMS’s tagline, “Passionate about your Life,” reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting disease prevention efforts and promoting healthier lives through the availability of essential medicines and health supplies (EMHS).
The Importance of disease prevention cannot be overstated. Preventable diseases encompass a broad spectrum of conditions, ranging from infectious diseases to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Many of these diseases share common risk factors, including poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. By addressing these risk factors through education and behavioral change, we can drastically reduce disease burden in our health facilities.
National Medical Stores “Preventive Health Message” encompasses the following actions;
- Improve hygiene and sanitation by; Washing hands with soap and water after every visit to the toilet and before eating food
- Having a latrine for every household
- Drink boiled clean water
- Clean your teeth after meals
- Sleeping under an insecticide treated mosquito net.
- Immunization for all children must complete their course against all immunizable diseases, for adolescent girls against cervical cancer (Human Papilloma Virus -HPV) and Hepatitis B for adults.
- Always use safety belts, helmets, family planning for manageable families, condoms and safe male circumcision to prevent HIV.
- Ensure peaceful coexistence, which reduces crime including assault, rape and defilement cases.
- Ensure Healthy eating, Exercise, regular de-worming and Vitamin A supplementation to reduce malnutrition in Children.
- Do regular medical check-ups that include screening for early detection of Non -Communicable Diseases such as Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Cancers (e.g., Cervical, Breast and Prostate cancers) and seeking care from qualified health personnel.
- Enactment of relevant by-laws for example pit latrines for every household to prevent diarrheal diseases; killing of all stray dogs and cats to deal with Rabies.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs and behaviors that lead to accidents.
- Avoid irresponsible sexual behavior and prepare for the consequences of sex.
National Medical Stores: Passionate about your Life;
At the core of disease prevention is access to quality healthcare services including Essential Medicines and Health supplies (EMHS). National Medical Stores is committed to ensuring that every Ugandan regardless of their location, has access to Essential Medicines and Health Supplies they need. Our tagline Passionate about your Life isn’t just a slogan; it drives everything we do, from medical logistics to partnerships and public outreach and advocacy. NMS works tirelessly to distribute life-saving medications, vaccines, and essential medical supplies to public healthcare facilities nationwide at all levels of care ie National Referral Hospitals, Regional Referral Hospitals, General Hospitals, Health Centre IV, III and II’s.
By innovatively streamlining the supply chain and leveraging on technology, NMS ensures that EMHS are available when and where they are needed. This commitment extends to preventive care, where access to vaccines, Laboratory supplies, and preventive medicines is crucial in curbing the spread of diseases and reducing their impact on the population. Moreover, NMS’s involvement in public health campaigns emphasizes the importance of prevention at both individual and community levels.
The staggering fact that 75% of diseases in Uganda are preventable should be a call to action for individuals, healthcare providers, and public health organizations alike. Let us embrace preventive measures such as healthy living, routine health screenings, vaccinations, exercise, good diet and washing of hands among others. Together, we can collectively reduce the burden of disease and promote longer, healthier lives.
NMS
Passionate About your Life!