AS the Government launches the National Health Week today, it is an opportune time to have an honest discussion among our citizenry about health. The Government realized the need to come up with the campaign to raise awareness and combat disease hence the head of State will lead the initiative as various activities have been lined up.
The campaign is aptly themed ‘Health for All, Leaving no one Behind’. We call upon the Zambians to embrace this initiative and participate in activities for their own health and for the general good to the nation because a health nation is a productive one.
Obviously, there will be opposition to this initiative by some people who will come up with various justifications especially politicians. Politicians do not seem to understand that the manner in which you define a problem defines the solution. In this case, a healthy nation is a productive nation. Viewing the problem that way allows different options to solving the problem.
Health is not just the absence of disease. It is a state of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
During this week from today until May 12, this year, you can visit health centres that will be providing free health services that will greatly benefit you and your family. You can get a free medical checkup that is part of the three principle steps that you need to take for good health and wellbeing.
Another step is to eat health and avoid the fast foods or junkie as it is fondly called. Eating a diet rich in some vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain types of diseases. Diets rich in foods containing fiber, such as some vegetables and fruits, may reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases like heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Couple clean and healthy eating with regular exercise and we truly on the way to reducing the nation health bill or expense for our households while increasing wellness.
Healthy habits help prevent certain health conditions like stroke and high blood pressure that had become so prevalent in urban Zambia. While regular exercising is catching up in urban Zambia, the President’s participation in wellness activities during this week will give it the needed impetus to spread further.
Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya pointed out that with commitment from the first citizen; it demonstrates the Government’s resolve to address health issues in the country. The enactment of Health Insurance is another indication of how much they want to eradicate disease and promote wellness.
So, we appeal to the Zambian not to be left behind as these activities take root this week. Participate and spread the word. Let the citizens hold hands in addressing public health challenges because prevention is better than cure.

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