Doctors warn of surging lifestyle diseases in Gatundu
Health experts have raised concerns over the alarming surge in lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and various forms of cancer that continue to devastate families across Gatundu South.
During a free medical camp organised by Mama Ngina University College in partnership with several healthcare institutions on Sunday, October 13, 2025, it emerged that a growing number of residents are silently suffering from chronic illnesses, largely due to poor access to healthcare services and the high cost of treatment.
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Ruth Mbugua, one of the medical officers at the camp, described the situation as “a ticking health time bomb,” urging locals to take preventive measures through healthier living habits.
“Many of these diseases are preventable,” Mbugua said.
“People need to be mindful of what they eat and how they live. Avoiding excessive carbohydrates, eating more vegetables and fruits, reducing meat consumption, and keeping off alcohol can go a long way in preventing disease.”
She added that early screening and regular checkups are vital for detecting conditions such as diabetes and cancer before they become life-threatening.
However, residents said that accessing medical care remains a huge challenge.
Many lamented that the Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), has failed to provide the efficiency and affordability they had hoped for.
Mary Wanjiru, a resident of Karembu village, said she has been forced to rely on herbal remedies after being unable to afford treatment for her hypertension.
“I used to go for checkups every month, but nowadays, it’s too expensive. Even with SHA, I still have to pay extra for lab tests and drugs. Sometimes I just pray that I’ll feel better,” she said.
Wagiita Maina, an obstetrics and gynaecology resident at Aga Khan University Hospital, expressed worry over the low rate of cancer screening among women in the area.
“We are seeing more breast and cervical cancer cases in Gatundu South, and most of them come to us when it’s already advanced. We must encourage regular screening as it can save lives,” Maina noted.
Tackling lifestyle diseases
The medics also encouraged residents to revive traditional habits such as home-grown food production and community-based physical activities.
They said such practices, once common in rural Kenya, played a key role in promoting healthy living.
“Our grandparents rarely suffered from lifestyle diseases because they ate organic food and walked long distances. We need to return to some of those practices to safeguard our health,” Mbugua said.
The event, which attracted hundreds of residents, also offered free screening for diabetes, blood pressure, and cancer.
Many participants expressed gratitude for the initiative and called for such outreach programs to be conducted regularly.
“This is the only time we get to see a doctor without worrying about the bill. If we had such clinics more often, many lives would be saved,” said Peter Njenga, another resident.
The doctors emphasised that the battle against lifestyle diseases requires a combined effort from individuals adopting healthier routines, to the government improving healthcare infrastructure and financing.
