Amref Health Africa will host a family wellness festival in February in a bid to curb rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The one- day event dubbed Amref Health Africa Wellness Festival will promote messages on NCDs risk factors and encourage better health seeking behaviours at household level and at places of work. 

In partnership with Tatu City, Amref Health Africa aims to promote a lifestyle of wellness at family and community levels.

This approach by Amref Health Africa seeks to improve disease prevention in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal SDG  three: ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all and all ages. 

“Amref is committed to changing the narrative on non-communicable and lifestyle diseases in Kenya. 

It should concern all of us that even though most NCDs can be prevented, they contribute to 50 per cent of hospital admissions and 55 per cent of hospital deaths.

Making low cost but high impact investments in NCD prevention through proper family diets and physical activity, coupled with regular wellness screening, is a step towards changing this,” said Dr Meshack Ndirangu (pictured). 

According to World Health Organisation, NCDs are the leading cause of death in the world accounting for every six in 10 deaths annually and killing more than 36 million people every year.

The festival, to be held at Tatu City grounds on February 28, will have fun activities including inline skating, dance, a 25km cycling circuit, a 7.5km family fun run, yoga, live cooking demonstrations, entertainment, a children’s play area and free family wellness check-ups.

“Tatu City is designed for life with health and wellness at its core. Thirty per cent of Tatu City is reserved for green and open space.

Trails for running and cycle paths are designed into the landscape and road infrastructure.

We are proud to play a role in Amref’s mission to improve the health and wellness in Africa,” Said Jacqueline Maigua, Head of Urban Management, Tatu City.