Non-communicable diseases pose a big threat to the health of Rwandans as more cases of life style related diseases are recorded. However, lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity among others can be avoided. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), most lifestyle diseases can be prevented with improved dietary choices and adequate physical activity. Unfortunately, for many people because of busy work schedules, lack of knowledge about the dangers of lack of physical exercise and sheer negligence have fallen prey to these diseases, with the most common being obesity. Some Rwandans have fallen victim to these diseases which afflict mostly people in the developing world. We should combine efforts in the fight against lifestyle diseases. Rwandans should take the threat of life style diseases seriously by eating well and exercising regularly. Regardless of our busy schedules, we should create time to exercise and live healthy lifestyles. Something as basic as a walk or jogging for a few minutes every day could save you from these diseases. We can’t meet our development objectives without a healthy population. A healthy productive population will significantly contribute to the realisation of the country’s development agenda that is clearly laid out in Vision 2020. Government through the Ministry of Health has put in place measures to prevent life style diseases but the biggest solution lies with the individual person. As an individual it’s your responsibility to live a healthy lifestyle or to avoid any activity or eating habits that will expose you to life style diseases. Also, we need more sensitisation campaigns on prevention of life style diseases.
