Non-communicable diseases in rural Zambia: healthy community or hidden burden?
1
On Call Africa, Livingstone, Zambia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Major gaps in the prevention, detection and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Zambia include limitations to policy implementation, availability of diagnostic equipment, routine surveillance, and community awareness1. With an ageing population and NCDs already responsible for an estimated 29% of national mortality2, improving early detection and long-term care in rural communities is a public health priority. A non-governmental organisation in Zambia’s Southern Province sought to assess and strengthen NCD management at a rural health post.
METHODS:
Retrospective data collection took place in October 2024 and 2025. Data from the most recent, consecutive outpatient department logbook entries (2024 n=311; 2025 n=292) and a random sample of patient record books (2025 n=199) were analysed. Volunteer doctors delivered teaching sessions, mentorship, and educational resources over the two months following the first data collection. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare annual NCD prevalence.
RESULTS:
There was no statistically significant difference in NCD prevalence between 2024 (n=5) and 2025 (n=9) (p=1.00). The following NCDs were recorded: epilepsy, asthma, angina, and hypertension. In 2025, blood pressure was recorded for 75% (n=149) of patients, with five meeting criteria for stage 1 hypertension but none were clinically recorded; height and weight were documented for 30% (n=60) of individuals, among whom 18% (n=11) were overweight or obese; social histories were recorded for two patients with NCDs; and follow-up was not documented at all.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings demonstrate ongoing missed opportunities for the recognition and long-term management of NCDs. Volunteer-led educational activities have limited impact and are not sustainable; systemic capacity strengthening is essential. Locally led training, consistent availability of diagnostic equipment and essential medicines, and developing regular, community-based screening and follow-up initiatives are crucial to accurately determining NCD prevalence. These measures will support inclusive access to the lifelong care required for healthier, more resilient rural communities.
Major gaps in the prevention, detection and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Zambia include limitations to policy implementation, availability of diagnostic equipment, routine surveillance, and community awareness1. With an ageing population and NCDs already responsible for an estimated 29% of national mortality2, improving early detection and long-term care in rural communities is a public health priority. A non-governmental organisation in Zambia’s Southern Province sought to assess and strengthen NCD management at a rural health post.
METHODS:
Retrospective data collection took place in October 2024 and 2025. Data from the most recent, consecutive outpatient department logbook entries (2024 n=311; 2025 n=292) and a random sample of patient record books (2025 n=199) were analysed. Volunteer doctors delivered teaching sessions, mentorship, and educational resources over the two months following the first data collection. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare annual NCD prevalence.
RESULTS:
There was no statistically significant difference in NCD prevalence between 2024 (n=5) and 2025 (n=9) (p=1.00). The following NCDs were recorded: epilepsy, asthma, angina, and hypertension. In 2025, blood pressure was recorded for 75% (n=149) of patients, with five meeting criteria for stage 1 hypertension but none were clinically recorded; height and weight were documented for 30% (n=60) of individuals, among whom 18% (n=11) were overweight or obese; social histories were recorded for two patients with NCDs; and follow-up was not documented at all.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings demonstrate ongoing missed opportunities for the recognition and long-term management of NCDs. Volunteer-led educational activities have limited impact and are not sustainable; systemic capacity strengthening is essential. Locally led training, consistent availability of diagnostic equipment and essential medicines, and developing regular, community-based screening and follow-up initiatives are crucial to accurately determining NCD prevalence. These measures will support inclusive access to the lifelong care required for healthier, more resilient rural communities.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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