Health experts have revealed the common causes of the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses in the Mt Kenya region, citing alcohol and cigarette use as key factors.

They also noted that delayed diagnosis and inadequate prevention are key factors behind the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the region.

According to health officials in Nyeri County, almost half of all deaths in the county are now linked to chronic diseases, placing a growing strain on families and the healthcare system.

An unhealthy lifestyle was also been identified as a major trigger behind the increase. There have been reports of rising cases of diabetes, hypertension and several types of cancer across the region.

Late diagnosis remains a critical challenge, with many patients only seeking care after the disease has advanced, limiting treatment options and increasing the risk of death.

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Health professionals say gaps in prevention and early screening have worsened the situation, allowing chronic illnesses to go undetected for years.

Without regular check-ups and early intervention, manageable conditions often progress into life-threatening diseases.

For many families in the region, the crisis has become a major challenge while trying to manage the illness since patient treatment and medication is expensive.

Chronic diseases require ongoing treatment and lifestyle changes, as well as financial resources. This places emotional and economic pressure on households.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases tend to last a long time and result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors.

The WHO has also noted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease, are collectively responsible for 74 per cent of all deaths worldwide.

Health experts in the region have called for prevention strategies, improved early diagnosis, and sustained public awareness to reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the Mt Kenya region.