Last month, we explored the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the burden they place on society and families. The rise in NCDs is closely tied to several factors, including rapid urbanisation and lifestyle changes.
Poor dietary habits and increasingly sedentary lifestyles have contributed significantly to the rise of obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol—key risk factors for many NCDs. The increasing prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption, and air pollution also fuels the rise of these diseases.
In Africa, the situation is compounded by weak healthcare infrastructure and a lack of awareness about early detection and prevention. According to a 2018 WHO report, Africa is projected to experience the highest increase in deaths from NCDs between 2010 and 2030. If interventions are not scaled up, NCDs could overwhelm fragile healthcare systems and reverse progress made in tackling infectious diseases.
Ironically, while technological and medical advancements have helped eradicate or control many communicable or infectious diseases, they have done little to slow the rise of NCDs. In many cases, modern conveniences—such as processed foods and digital gadgets that encourage inactivity—have exacerbated this epidemic.
Role of healthcare providers
In the face of this growing challenge, healthcare providers—particularly pharmacists—play a critical role in alleviating the burden of NCDs. Pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare professionals in many communities, making them key allies in this fight.
Medication management and adherence
Many NCDs require long-term management through medication, but poor adherence to treatment regimens remains a major obstacle. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to manage medication therapy for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
Poor medication adherence is a major factor that worsens NCDs, and pharmacists can intervene by offering counselling, medication synchronisation, and reminders to ensure patients take their medications consistently. For example, studies have shown that pharmacist-led interventions can significantly improve medication adherence in hypertensive patients, leading to better blood pressure control and reduced risk of cardiovascular events.
Early screening and risk assessment
Pharmacists are also well-positioned to offer screening services for conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes; they can take on roles in prevention and early detection. In many low-resource settings, community pharmacies serve as primary points of care, providing essential health checks that can detect diseases early. Pharmacists can help identify at-risk individuals and refer them to appropriate healthcare providers for further management.
Lifestyle counselling and education
Given that NCDs are largely preventable through lifestyle changes, the importance of education cannot be overstated. Pharmacists can empower patients to make informed choices about their diet, exercise, and habits, which can go a long way in preventing or managing NCDs. Through regular engagement with patients, pharmacists can reinforce healthy behaviours and offer practical advice tailored to individuals’ needs.
Education and advocacy
Pharmacists are in a unique position to advocate for greater awareness of NCDs. By educating their communities, they can help shift the narrative from treatment to prevention, empowering individuals to take control of their health. Pharmacists can also advocate for policies that promote healthier lifestyles and improve access to care, especially in underserved areas.
Policy development
Pharmacists can influence healthcare policy, particularly when it comes to access to medications and preventive services. By participating in policy-making processes and advocacy efforts, pharmacists can help ensure that NCD management is prioritised on national healthcare agendas. In Nigeria, for instance, pharmacists can advocate for policies that improve access to affordable medications and strengthen NCD awareness campaigns.
Have we truly lost the fight?
The statistics may seem grim, but the fight against NCDs is far from lost. While we are currently facing an uphill battle, the reality is that NCDs are largely preventable and manageable. The numbers are staggering, but there are pathways to change—preventive care, lifestyle modification, and better access to healthcare.
The rise of NCDs does not signify a lost war, but rather a call to action. Countries that have implemented comprehensive strategies to tackle NCDs—such as policies to reduce tobacco use, promote physical activity, and improve access to healthcare—have seen declines in mortality rates from these diseases.
However, more needs to be done, particularly in low-resource settings like sub-Saharan Africa. Collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, and community organisations is key to scaling up interventions.
Pharmacists must be at the forefront of these efforts, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of NCDs. They have the knowledge, access, and trust needed to influence patient behaviour, improve treatment outcomes, and help communities manage these diseases more effectively.
