The Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) Alliance, in partnership with the Malawi Red Cross and Mzuzu Urban Hospital, has started conducting free health screenings at Shoprite in Mzuzu.
The free services are as part of the Global Week for Action on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) 2025. The event is being led by NCD Alliance Project Officers, Esther Nyirenda and Jonathan Munthali together with the Mzuzu Urban Hospital NCD Coordinator, Dr. Cecilia Nambala.
protected by reCAPTCHA
The NCD Alliance Malawi, through its secretariat Women’s Coalition against Cancer (WOCACA), joins the global community in commemorating the Global Week for Action on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) under the theme “Time to Lead.”
NCDs, including cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental health conditions, are the leading cause of illness and death worldwide, claiming over 41 million lives annually, which accounts for 71% of all global fatalities.
In Malawi, the burden of NCDs is rapidly increasing, undermining health, economic growth, and social wellbeing.
This year’s theme, “Time to Lead,” calls on governments, civil society, communities, and individuals to step up and take decisive action against NCDs.
In an interview on Friday afternoon, Nyirenda said the screenings include glucose tests, blood pressure checks, eye examinations, body mass index (BMI) assessments, and other general health checks. In addition, health talks and nutrition counselling sessions have been conducted to equip the public with vital knowledge on healthy eating, NCD prevention and the importance of regular checkups.
“Through these activities, the NCD Alliance and its partners aim to promote early detection, raise awareness, and encourage healthier lifestyles within the community,” she narrated, adding “Now is the time to lead in tackling NCDs. We must strengthen awareness, prevention, and access to care so that Malawians can live healthier, longer lives.”
She said regular physical activity and balanced nutrition are essential for preventing and managing NCDs such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Nyirenda reassured her organization’s commitment to driving advocacy, building partnerships, and empowering communities in the fight against NCDs, explaining that NCDs are not a distant problem they are here, and urgent leadership at all levels is needed.
“As the globe prepares for the Fourth UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs on 25 September 2025, Malawi stands at a pivotal moment to turn pledges into action through stronger leadership, funding, and care,” she stated.
This year, the Global Week for Action on NCDs will feature activities in Mzuzu, Blantyre, and Lilongwe with support from the NCD Alliance Global, in partnership with CHAM, the Malawi Red Cross, CSONA and Smart Play Pathways.
The main commemoration will took place in Lilongwe on 25 September 2025 at Masintha Ground, bringing together leaders and communities to accelerate action on NCDs.
NCD Alliance Malawi is a national civil society network with a common goal to reduce the burden of preventable morbidity, disability as well as avoidable deaths due to non-communicable diseases and injuries impacting the health of Malawians.
