Private Observer

 

Government Launches $1 Million UN Health for Life Project to Tackle NCDs and Boost Youth Mental Health

The Government has officially launched the UN Health for Life Project, a three-year initiative backed by catalytic funding of one million US dollars aimed at preventing and controlling Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and improving mental health, particularly among young people.

Speaking during the launch, Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima underscored the urgent need to tackle the growing burden of NCDs, which account for nearly one-third of all annual deaths in the country. He noted that risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and environmental hazards are increasingly prevalent among the youth — a demographic that makes up over 60% of the population.

“We cannot afford to lose our young people to preventable diseases,” Dr. Muchima said. “This project is a crucial step towards empowering communities, promoting healthier lifestyles, and strengthening early intervention systems for mental health and chronic disease prevention.”

The initiative will focus on community awareness, policy support, and health system strengthening, with targeted programs to engage schools, youth organizations, and local health networks.

Meanwhile, Tobacco Free Association Executive Director Brenda Chitindi praised the Ministry of Health for its collaboration and commitment, noting that the country is making steady progress in the fight against NCDs.“This partnership demonstrates that with collective action and strong policy support, we can reduce tobacco use and other risk factors that fuel the NCD epidemic,” Ms. Chitindi said.

The UN Health for Life Project is expected to serve as a model for integrating NCD prevention and mental health promotion within national health strategies, reinforcing the government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.