{
  "id": 15147657,
  "title": "Embu county govt raises alarm as 60% of patients at medical camps test positive for diabetes, hypertension",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/embu-county-govt-raises-alarm-as-60-of-patients-at-medical-camps-test",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-17T07:21:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/news/embu-county-govt-raises-alarm-as-60-of-patients-at-medical-camps-test-positive-for-diabetes-hypertension"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Embu County Department of Health has expressed worry over the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, specifically diabetes and hypertension. According to health officials, nearly 60% of patients attending Madaktari Mashinani medical camps are diagnosed with either of these conditions, highlighting a significant public health issue. During a free medical camp at Gategi Level 5 Hospital in Mwea Sub-County, Dr. Mercy Wanjala, the county's Primary Health Care head, emphasized the urgent need for preventive measures, early diagnosis, and lifestyle changes. She attributed the high incidence of diabetes and hypertension, in part, to poor lifestyle choices, urging residents to incorporate regular exercise, eat healthily, and undergo routine check-ups. Dr. Wanjala highlighted the benefits of the Madaktari Mashinani initiative, which brings healthcare services closer to the community, allowing residents to receive specialist consultations, screenings, and treatments without extensive travel. She also addressed concerns over breast and cervical cancer, advocating for regular screenings to facilitate early detection and timely treatment. Over 1,000 individuals benefited from medical services at the Gategi outreach camp, underscoring the population's demand for accessible healthcare. Local residents commended the initiative for improving their access to essential medical services and treatments. However, the issue of diabetes, hypertension, and cancer has prompted calls for increased investment in preventive healthcare, public education, and routine screening to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Embu County.",
  "summary": "The Embu County Department of Health has raised concern over the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes and hypertension, warning that the conditions are increasingly becoming a major public health challenge in the county. Health officials say approximately 60 per cent of patients attending the Madaktari Mashinani medical camps are being diagnosed with either […]",
  "key_points": [
    "60% of patients at Madaktari Mashinani camps test positive for diabetes or hypertension",
    "Dr. Mercy Wanjala urges preventive measures, early diagnosis, and lifestyle changes",
    "Over 1,000 individuals benefited from medical services at Gategi outreach camp"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}