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PRINCESS Zahara Aga Khan has called upon African and Asian governments to invest in early childhood development to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases.

“Early childhood experiences have a direct impact on brain development and exposure to a safe environment, appropriate activities and a balanced diet are essential for the normal development of a healthy adult,” said Zahara.

She said since many diseases were a result of attitudes and lifestyles, prevention should explore the parenting techniques, traditions and eating habits.

Zahara was addressing participants at the three-day Afro-Asia summit on chronic non-communicable diseases, on Saturday.

The summit was sponsored by the Aga Khan University and organised by the Uganda Government and the World Health Organisation.
It was held at Kampala Serena Hotel from February 5 to 7.

Dubbed “lifestyle diseases”, which include diabetes, heart diseases and cancer, the ailments are taking centre stage as the worst burdens affecting people.

Uganda is one of the countries experiencing a burden of con-communicable diseases. This has prompted the Government to carry out a survey to determine “how sick the population is”, said Dr. James Sekajugo, the principal medical officer for non-communicable disease in the health ministry.

Local and international experts have warned of dire consequences if “the silent killers” are not checked.
According to Dr. Sam Zaramba, the director general of health services, at least two patients are diagnosed every year at the cancer institute in Mulago, with cancer due to tobacco smoking.

He said the majority of cancer, diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases’ patients die at home without reporting to health facilities.