The Ministry of Health has issued a call for the public to embrace self-care as a crucial component of their daily routines.
Dr. Charles Olaro, a representative from the Ministry, emphasized that individuals should take proactive steps to manage their health and wellness. This includes not only adopting regular exercise routines but also practicing preventive measures to avoid falling ill.
Dr. Olaro highlighted, “By engaging in activities that promote disease prevention, individuals can maintain good health, which in turn reduces the need for excessive healthcare expenditures. When people manage their health effectively, it leads to decreased pressure on healthcare facilities, resulting in shorter queues and better services for those truly in need.”
The Ministry of Health is advocating for the incorporation of self-care into everyday life to alleviate the burden on already congested medical facilities. A self-care guideline has undergone successful testing in Mukono and is poised to be officially launched soon. Dr. Olaro emphasized that while self-care is promoted, it must still adhere to safety standards to ensure the well-being of individuals.
One of the pressing issues prompting the Ministry’s initiative is the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. The lack of emphasis on self-care has contributed significantly to this trend. Dr. Joyce Moriko Kaducu, the state minister for Primary Education, further underscored the importance of promoting well-being, particularly among students. She toured schools in Dokolo District, stressing the significance of self-care practices to safeguard students’ health.
Roselline Achola, a Technical Specialist in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SHR) at the Ministry of Health, expanded on the scope of self-care. She noted that it encompasses aspects beyond just physical exercise, extending to areas like menstrual hygiene, prevention of teenage pregnancies, and protection against HIV infection. This comprehensive approach aims to address various health challenges faced by different segments of the population.
However, challenges remain in the implementation of self-care practices. Annah Kukundakwe, a Senior Programme Officer at CEHURD, revealed that a pilot program in Kono District highlighted issues with stock shortages for self-care commodities. Addressing this concern will be crucial in ensuring the success of self-care initiatives.
The World Health Organization’s statistics further underscore the urgency of such initiatives. With over 400 million people lacking access to essential health services and over 100 million people being driven into poverty due to healthcare expenses, the importance of preventive measures like self-care becomes even more evident.
This year’s International Self-Care Day, celebrated under the theme “Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health, Enhancing Primary Healthcare, and Contributing to Universal Healthcare Coverage,” was observed in Dokolo District, emphasizing the vital role self-care plays in building a healthier society while also lightening the burden on healthcare facilities.
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