PREVENT DISEASES
Good nutrition key to fighting NCDs which burden health system
Incorporating the message on the importance of good nutrition should be an integral component of the Public Health system to help prevent and manage disease and also promote the culture of a better quality life, says Dr. Malebogo Eluya, a registered dietitian and nutritionist with Botswana Health Professions Council. Eluya runs Afiya Health and Dietetics Consultants, which advocates for nutrition health in the prevention and management of diseases, both communicable and noncommunicable.
Speaking on the backdrop of concern over the increase in cases of Non-communicable (NCDs) in Botswana, that continue to claim the lives of nearly half the population, Eluya said nutrition plays a pivotal role in the prevention of disease and management of lifestyle conditions. She said it is of concern that although nutrition is very important, few companies and organisations in Botswana engage dietitians for their wellness activities. “Most organisations should be deliberate in including nutrition programs in their wellness policies for their employees,” she said.
In light of the Covid19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has indicated that people with pre-existing NCDs have a higher risk of severe Covid19 disease infection, and are more likely to die from Covid19 and
Eluya, who runs her clinic from Gaborone private hospital, conceded this, adding that investment in education on nutrition could have a long-term positive impact on the public health system, as people would have been empowered and motivated to make better decisions regarding their health and wellness.
The doctor, who prides herself as being one of very few dietitians in Botswana, graduated from Howard University, Washington DC, USA in 2001 and obtained a Master of Science degree, University of Westminster, United Kingdom in 2010, before finally securing Doctor of Philosophy, University of Kwazulu Natal, SA in 2019. She has background in military nutrition as she has been employed as a civilian in the military for more than a decade before pursuing a career change to academia as a lecturer for six years. I was employed by the Botswana Defence Force for more than ten years. At the time I was the only dietitian for the organisation in 2003. The military is a unique community with very diverse needs and a different culture on its own. Although I was new in the profession at the time, BDF taught me how to be disciplined, leadership skills and always thrived to be a better person. The dietitian and nutritionist sees patients with a wide range of conditions ranging from hypertension, diabetes, food allergies, nutrition deficiencies, and many others. She also advises catering companies in the provision of therapeutic foods in both hospitals and other food service facilities. She also provides Botswana Qualifications Authority accredited short courses in health and nutrition.
Eluya whose area of interest and speciality is in bariatric nutrition (management of extreme weight) noted that health is more than just weight. “Nutrition plays a pivotal role in both prevention and cure of numerous illnesses and diseases. To most people following a healthy diet is only for weight loss purposes, but more people need to understand that for general wellness, mentally and physically good nutrition is important. She said some people eat for taste and fullness as opposed to nutritional value, which is one common factor that hampers efforts towards good nutrition. “Most people would rather eat for ‘like’ or convenience rather than for health reasons,” she said.
Eluya said it is imperative to invest in more campaigns that give clear and relevant messages that the public can identify with, related to food and nutrition. “It is worrisome that there is more advertisement for fast food places and rarely any on healthy eating, which fuels the misconception that healthy nutrition is not affordable or practical – and this is because public awareness is lacking.”
Eluya said childhood obesity is on the rise as it mirrors the rise in adulthood obesity. “If parents are not practising healthy eating habits, we cannot expect the children to. Some parents pack their children unhealthy snacks; foodstuff high in calories, fats, sugar, salt or preservatives such as sausages, pies, potato chips and fruit drinks. Parents should be good role models and should not entertain children’s refusal of wholesome foods at home. and also keep eating out to a minimum.” She also said that the public schools feeding scheme, which has revised its menu to include healthy food such as eggs, peanut butter and fruit, should be encouraged as it offers children more nutritious food.