Non-communicable Diseases
Our Mission
VAHA’s Non-Communicable Diseases Program is committed to reducing the growing burden of NCDs in Cameroon through early detection, prevention, and sustained community support. By focusing on awareness, screening, and care, we aim to significantly lower new cases and improve the quality of life for those affected.
What Are NCDs?
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are chronic conditions that are not passed from person to person. They are largely preventable, yet they account for a growing share of deaths and disabilities in Cameroon and globally.
The most common and impactful NCDs include:
- Cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks and strokes)
- Cancers
- Chronic respiratory diseases (such as asthma and COPD)
- Diabetes
- Mental health disorders (such as depression and anxiety)
Our Mental Health Program
Mental health is a vital component of our NCDs approach. We provide community-level mental health education, screening, and referrals to professional care, ensuring individuals with mental health needs are not left behind. We also work to break the stigma surrounding mental illness through education and advocacy.
Core Program Values
- Prevention First: Empowering individuals and communities to make healthy choices that reduce risk factors.
- Equity in Access: Ensuring that underserved populations receive quality screening and support.
- Collaboration: Working hand-in-hand with communities, health systems, and international partners.
- Empowerment Through Knowledge: Promoting health literacy as a powerful tool in NCD prevention.
- Compassionate Care: Supporting individuals with NCDs with dignity, understanding, and long-term care solutions.
Key Strategies
- Community-Based Screening & Early Detection
- Mobile screening campaigns for hypertension, diabetes, and cancer.
- Mental health outreach and psycho-social assessments.
- Health Education & Awareness
- School and community health talks on NCD risk factors.
- Behavior change communication on tobacco, alcohol, nutrition, and physical activity.
- Training & Capacity Building
- Training of community health workers and local providers on NCDs and mental health management.
- Policy Advocacy
- Supporting stronger NCD policies and the integration of mental health into primary healthcare.
- Referral & Follow-up Systems
- Establishing referral pathways for confirmed NCD cases and mental health concerns.
- Community-based follow-up and support groups.
Our Partnerships
VAHA is a proud member of the Cameroon NCDs Alliance and an active participant in the WHO Health Cluster. These partnerships strengthen our ability to advocate for better health policies, align with global standards, and scale up our interventions.
Get Involved
Whether you're a health professional, donor, policymaker, or community leader, there's a role for you in the fight against NCDs. Join us in building a healthier, more resilient Cameroon.