Kenya has experienced a steady increase in non-communicable diseases and mental health illnesses due to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic affecting individuals, employees and organisations in general.
Statistics from the Kenya Health Information System indicate that during the height of the pandemic, there was an increase in health-related issues, reduced productivity, and unwillingness by Kenyans to visit healthcare facilities for review and treatment affecting the young and ageing populace in the society equally.
The pandemic took a toll on most people’s well-being in all life facets from their physical, mental, social, economic, occupational and financial leading to higher non-communicable disease numbers in recent years and months.
Reduced social interaction impaired the close bonds with family and communities as was the norm, leading to diseases silently cropping up without much notice.
All the above factors are constant, the “wellness” role is critical and one that we must be proactive about as it impacts all areas of our lives.
Wellness is defined as the active pursuit and influence of our lifestyle that has a major impact on the overall state of one’s health and well-being.
The end goal of wellness is happiness, holistic health and well-being with physical, mental and social wellness being the most salient facets.
Are wellness programmes just a narrative or are they impactful?
UN Sustainable Development Goals (goal #3) states that countries have a responsibility to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for everybody, at all ages”.
This goes to show that whether you support wellness programmes or not, facts are unopposed and the benefits outweigh the illusions.
Wellness is not a reserve for the rich as is widely assumed, it is and should be undertaken by individuals in various age groups and walks of life and corporates.
The promotion of wellness programmes will not only promote a thriving and sustainable recovery from the pandemic, especially in treating persons with non-communicable diseases but will also cater to the review of those suffering from obesity, diabetes, fertility, mental health illnesses and hypertension, hence, improved overall health and productivity
Employers who know the value of wellness programmes boast of a highly motivated workforce, increased profits, improved brand equity, reduced insurance premiums and achievement of its commercial objectives.
The government can also promote the wellness state of Kenyans by incorporating key aspects of public infrastructure such as free and clean parks, bicycle riding spots and lanes, promotion of sporting activities and availability of the facilities as well as the national healthcare scheme (National Hospital Insurance Fund) to include wellness packages that are free to access for all citizens.
Wellness will not only improve the physical and mental health of Kenyans but can also act as an engine of economic and social growth.
This is a critical lever in the efforts towards post-pandemic economic and business recovery.
General practitioner at The Karen Hospital