Kathmandu, Nepal – A recent health survey conducted by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s health department has revealed alarming statistics about non-communicable diseases among the city’s residents. The study found that 39% of individuals aged 30 and above suffer from hypertension, while 22% have diabetes, raising serious public health concerns.
Hypertension: A Growing Concern
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where an individual’s blood pressure remains persistently elevated. It is a leading risk factor for serious health issues such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
“Among those diagnosed with high blood pressure, 13% were unaware of their condition, and around 3% were not taking medications despite being aware of their health issues,” said Dhanendra Shrestha, a public health inspector at the Kathmandu Metropolitan Health Department. “Most of those avoiding treatment are younger individuals who believe they can manage their condition through diet and exercise alone. Additionally, the high cost of treatment discourages some from seeking medical help.”
Diabetes on the Rise
The study also highlighted the increasing prevalence of diabetes in Kathmandu. Health screenings revealed that 5% of the tested individuals were newly diagnosed, while 14.5% already knew they had diabetes. Among them, 2.4% were not taking medication due to similar reasons—cost concerns and the belief that lifestyle changes alone could control their condition.
Doctors warn that untreated diabetes can lead to severe complications, including nerve damage, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease. Early detection and consistent management are crucial to preventing such complications.
Survey Findings: A Snapshot of Kathmandu’s Health
The study was conducted on 26,019 people from December 2023 to January 2024 across 256 locations, including 32 urban health promotion centers. The findings are based on 14,210 analyzed samples, while the remaining data is still being processed.
Key findings from the health screening include:
- 8% of participants had their blood pressure checked for the first time.
- 12% of participants underwent their first-ever blood sugar test.
- 9% of males and females above 30 smoke regularly, with nearly 8% smoking occasionally.
- 3.4% of residents consume alcohol regularly, while 23.7% drink occasionally.
Addressing Lifestyle and Risk Factors
Public health officials attribute the rise in non-communicable diseases to changes in dietary habits, increased consumption of processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and rising stress levels. Smoking and alcohol consumption also contribute to these health issues.
Free screenings for hypertension, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases were part of an initiative to raise awareness and promote early detection. Health experts stress that early intervention is crucial, as most patients seek medical help only when their condition worsens, often leading to severe complications and higher treatment costs.
Non-Communicable Diseases: The Leading Cause of Death
According to the Nepal Health Research Council’s 2019 study, 71% of total deaths in Nepal were due to non-communicable diseases, with an additional 8% linked to injuries. The recent findings reinforce this data, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures.
A study published in The Lancet last week also warned that nearly 50% of Nepal’s adult population will be overweight or obese by 2050, further exacerbating the risk of non-communicable diseases.
Government’s Nationwide Campaign
In response to the growing health crisis, the Ministry of Health and Population recently completed a nationwide campaign against non-communicable diseases. The initiative provided free medical testing for hypertension, diabetes, renal function, and body mass index (BMI) measurement. Officials believe that increasing public awareness and encouraging lifestyle modifications will play a vital role in curbing these health issues.
The Way Forward
Health experts emphasize the importance of regular screenings, lifestyle changes, and medical intervention to tackle the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. With nearly 80% of deaths in Nepal now linked to these conditions, urgent action is needed to promote preventive healthcare and improve public health policies.
