In a move aimed at promoting disease prevention and the early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes, Ndola Teaching Hospital (NTH) last week participated in the National Health Awareness campaign for September 2026.
In a country where health-seeking behaviour is generally low, particularly among men, the event, held at Dola Hill Mall, attracted scores of residents eager to learn more about disease prevention, early detection, and healthy living.
Members of the public engaged with medical staff through various health awareness activities and clinical services.
Apart from bringing healthcare services closer to the people, NTH also leverages media platforms, hosting radio programs to discuss hypertension during pregnancy.
Dr Clement Phiri, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist at NTH, explained that a pregnant woman’s blood pressure (BP) should never exceed 140/90.
“There could be other factors that trigger a rise in blood pressure. However, when it comes to pregnant women, the readings should not go beyond the 140/90 range,” Dr Phiri explained.
He warned that higher blood pressure can cause a pregnant woman to develop a severe and potentially dangerous condition known as eclampsia.
In addition to screening for hypertension and diabetes, which are among the leading causes of hospital visits in Zambia, the national health awareness month also featured mental health advocacy.
This initiative focused on improving the understanding of mental health and encouraging people to seek help when needed.
With the Copperbelt Province remaining one of the country’s epicenters for HIV infections, medical personnel were also on hand to offer confidential HIV counseling and testing. Zambia currently has over one million people living with HIV.
Jackson Chirwa, a Ndola resident, commended the Ministry of Health for the initiative.
“It was gratifying to see patients being screened for suspected high blood pressure and diabetes right within the community. These are services that people usually have to queue up for hours to receive at the hospital,” Mr Chirwa said.
“Bringing confidential counseling and HIV testing to people’s doorsteps helps individuals know their status and make informed health decisions.”
NTH management stated that alongside HIV testing, prostate screenings and public education on NCDs were widely provided during the outreach.
“The prostate testing was aimed at creating awareness and encouraging men to take proactive steps toward the early detection and management of prostate-related conditions. Furthermore, we provided vital information on how to prevent and manage lifestyle-related diseases like hypertension and diabetes,” NTH stated.
