Zambia Probes Silent Killers

The ZNPHI days, the survey will examine lifestyle and health risks whereas the indings will guide future health policies, Data to support prevention and control efforts

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia (30-03-2026) – Zambia is set to probe the growing burden of “silent killer” diseases through a nationwide survey aimed at examining lifestyle and health risks, with findings expected to guide future health policies and strengthen prevention and control efforts.

ZNPHI Director General Professor Roma Chilengi told journalists at the media briefing that the institute will soon undertake a nationwide STEPS Survey to assess the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), marking a major step in understanding the country’s rising cases of chronic illnesses.

Professor Chilengi said the survey will be conducted across all districts and will involve more than 5,700 participants selected through a scientific sampling process to ensure national representation.

He said the exercise comes at a critical time, noting that the last such survey was conducted in 2017, despite global recommendations that countries undertake similar assessments every five years.

“There is currently a gap in up-to-date data on non-communicable diseases in the country. This survey will help us understand the current magnitude and trends of these conditions,” Professor Chilengi said.

He explained that the STEPS Survey, developed by the World Health Organisation, is a standardised method used globally to measure the prevalence of NCDs and their associated risk factors.

Professor Chilengi described non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and cancers as “silent killers” because they often develop without noticeable symptoms and can result in sudden, life-threatening complications such as stroke.

He noted that while Zambia has historically focused on infectious diseases like malaria and HIV, improvements in life expectancy have led to a rise in conditions linked to ageing and lifestyle changes.

The survey will examine key behavioural risk factors including tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and high salt intake.

It will be conducted in three stages: interviews to collect behavioural data, physical measurements such as blood pressure, height and weight, and laboratory testing of blood and urine samples.

Professor Chilengi said the data collected will be critical in guiding government planning, resource allocation, and the development of targeted interventions to reduce the burden of NCDs.

He added that the findings will also help Zambia track progress over time and measure the effectiveness of ongoing health programmes.

He urged to cooperate with survey teams that will soon begin visiting selected households across the country.

“The success of this survey depends on public participation. Each selected individual represents many others in the population, and their involvement is crucial in ensuring accurate national data,” he said.

Professor Chilengi assured the public that all survey personnel will carry official identification from ZNPHI and will follow strict safety procedures while conducting interviews, taking measurements, and collecting biological samples.

He also dismissed the misconception that non-communicable diseases are only a problem for the affluent, stating that risk factors are prevalent in both urban and rural communities.

The upcoming survey will focus on adults and assess conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, as well as related lifestyle risks.

The findings are expected to play a key role in shaping Zambia’s future public health strategies as the country intensifies efforts to combat the rising threat of non-communicable diseases.