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The government has called on Tanzanians to make regular health checks part of their daily lives, warning that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for nearly four in every 10 deaths recorded in the country.
The call comes as Tanzania marks National Non-Communicable Diseases Week from November 9 to 14, 2026, with a renewed focus on early detection, prevention and lifestyle changes.
Chief Medical Officer Prof Bruno F Sunguya said this year's campaign, themed “Know Your Numbers, Take Action, Save Lives,” seeks to encourage people to understand key health indicators and take timely action before preventable conditions develop into serious complications.
The theme builds on the Know Your Numbers campaign launched in May 2026 by Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa.
According to Prof Sunguya, NCDs contribute approximately 39 percent of all deaths in Tanzania, making prevention and early diagnosis critical to reducing the country's disease burden.
The conditions include diabetes, hypertension, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, sickle cell disease and mental health disorders, as well as substance use disorders and diseases affecting the eyes, mouth and teeth.
Unlike communicable diseases, NCDs are not transmitted from one person to another. Their development is, however, associated with several risk factors, including physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.
The Chief Medical Officer urged citizens to monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, noting that knowing these indicators could help identify health risks and facilitate early treatment.
The government has highlighted blood pressure readings above 140/90mmHg, fasting blood glucose levels above 7mmol/L and random blood glucose readings exceeding 11mmol/L as warning indicators requiring medical assessment.
Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly referred to as bad cholesterol, are also among the risk factors that require attention.
The campaign will further promote screening for breast and cervical cancers, as well as genetic testing for sickle cell disease to help identify carriers and reduce the risk of passing the condition to future generations.
Prof Sunguya said reducing the burden of NCDs would require collective action, particularly in addressing lifestyle choices that increase people's exposure to preventable health risks.
He advised Tanzanians to eat balanced meals containing all six food groups, increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables, and reduce salt and sugar intake.
He also recommended at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, five days a week, alongside adequate sleep and rest.
The government is also encouraging people to undergo medical check-ups at least once a year, even when they have no symptoms, as some NCDs can remain undetected until they cause serious health complications.
In an effort to address excessive sugar consumption, Prof Sunguya appealed to organisers of meetings, seminars, workshops and public events to reconsider the snacks and refreshments they provide to participants.
He urged them to replace sweets, biscuits, sugary soft drinks and sweetened juices with healthier alternatives such as fresh fruits, drinking water, groundnuts and cashew nuts.
He also challenged supermarkets and other retailers to stop giving customers sweets instead of cash change, urging businesses to avoid practices that encourage excessive sugar consumption.
The Chief Medical Officer called on healthcare workers and other stakeholders to strengthen public education and ensure that screening, treatment and rehabilitation services are accessible to more people.
The government's message is that preventing NCDs should not begin when people fall sick, but through everyday decisions on diet, physical activity and regular health monitoring.
“Together, let us build a Tanzania with better health and a stronger workforce,” Prof Sunguya said.