Tanzania insists on regular health check-ups  for non-communicable diseases as they account for 39 percent of all deaths

DAR ES SALAAM: NON-COMMUNICABLE diseases account for approximately 39 per cent of all deaths in Tanzania, Chief Government Medical Officer Prof. Bruno Sunguya has said, urging the public to undergo regular health check-ups to identify early warning signs and take timely preventive measures.

Prof Sunguya made the remarks today, November 9, 2026, while issuing a public statement on non-communicable diseases in the country under the theme, “Know Your Numbers, Take Action, Save Lives,” which aims to raise awareness and encourage people to understand their health status.

He said some of the non-communicable diseases contributing to the country’s disease burden include diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, sickle cell disease, mental health conditions, drug addiction, certain eye, oral and dental diseases, as well as injuries.

He explained that the theme builds on the ZiJue Namba Zako (Know Your Numbers) campaign, launched in May 2026 by Health Minister Mohamed Omary Mchengerwa to raise public awareness and encourage people to undergo health screenings, identify risk factors and take early action to prevent non-communicable diseases.

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Highlighting the importance of the campaign, Prof. Sunguya identified key health indicators that people should monitor, including obesity, blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg, blood glucose levels exceeding 7 mmol/L after fasting for more than eight hours, or reaching 11 mmol/L and above at any time during testing.

He further advised the public to monitor levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as bad cholesterol, noting that levels above 2.4 mmol/L may indicate a health risk.

He added that the campaign also includes screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer and sickle cell genetic traits, with the aim of supporting early detection and prevention, as well as breaking the intergenerational cycle of sickle cell disease.

Prof. Sunguya said the campaign activities are being conducted across all regions of the country, with the government directing health professionals to provide screening services, educate communities and create an enabling environment to improve public access to these services.