Nutrition, Diet and Health Tips

Population composition—age, sex, social norms, disease prevalence, and existing conditions—plays a fundamental role in shaping the healthcare services available in both the public and private sectors. These dynamics influence healthcare demand, workforce distribution, and the type of medical interventions required to address prevailing health challenges.

Recently, a viral TikTok video featured a Kenyan woman advising against seeking medical services in Kenyan hospitals. Her claims suggested that doctors and healthcare workers in these facilities use outdated methods in treating major conditions such as cancer and diabetes. Before dismissing her statements outright, we must first analyze Kenya’s population dynamics and the impact on healthcare delivery.

Kenya’s Changing Population Dynamics and Disease Burden

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the majority of Kenyans fall within the youthful demographic (ages 18-45), followed by children and the ageing population. Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) data further highlight the persistent burden of malnutrition among children, high maternal mortality rates, and the continued prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Reports from the National Cancer Institute confirm that cancer remains a significant public health challenge.

While Kenya’s healthcare system is dynamic and adaptable, it faces severe challenges. These include:

• Shortages of qualified healthcare professionals and uneven workforce distribution.
• Overcrowding in public health facilities.
• Limited diagnostic tools, insufficient treatment centers, and frequent drug shortages.
• The recent withdrawal of USAID funding, which further strains the system.

The Dangers of Misinformation: Herbal Remedies vs. Evidence-Based Medicine

In the viral video, the lady advocates for herbal medicine and fasting as alternatives to hospital-based treatment for diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and gout. While some plant-based remedies have shown potential benefits, the risks of herbal toxicity, nutrient-drug interactions, and unregulated use cannot be ignored. The integration of traditional medicine must be evidence-based and regulated by health authorities to prevent harm.

Why Avoiding Hospitals is Not the Solution

Kenya’s disease burden varies across different age groups:

• Elderly Population: Faces an increasing prevalence of degenerative disorders such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Youth and Working-Age Population: Are at heightened risk of metabolic disorders like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension due to lifestyle changes. Data shows that 40% of Kenyans in urban and semi-urban areas consume highly processed and refined foods, and more than 30% are classified as obese.
• Communicable Diseases: HIV, tuberculosis (TB), meningitis, and hepatitis remain significant threats that require timely medical intervention to prevent complications and transmission.

Avoiding hospitals only exacerbates these challenges. Early detection and timely medical intervention have been proven to improve health outcomes, reducing morbidity and mortality from both non-communicable and communicable diseases.

Realistic Solutions: Strengthening the Healthcare System

Rather than discouraging Kenyans from seeking medical care, we should focus on:

1. Strengthening the Healthcare Workforce: Increase investment in medical education, retain skilled professionals, and ensure equitable distribution across urban and rural areas.
2. Improving Health Infrastructure: Expand diagnostic and treatment facilities, ensuring accessibility and affordability.
3. Integrating Traditional and Modern Medicine: Establish regulatory frameworks for herbal medicine to ensure safety and efficacy.
4. Promoting Preventive Healthcare: Increase awareness of lifestyle modifications, routine screenings, and vaccination programs.
5. Enhancing Health Literacy: Counter misinformation by educating the public on evidence-based healthcare practices through community engagement and digital platforms.

Call to Action for Lawmakers, Health Regulatory Bodies, and Kenyan Citizens

• Lawmakers: Must prioritize healthcare funding, legislate against health misinformation, and ensure universal healthcare coverage.
• Health Regulatory Bodies: Should enforce stricter regulations on herbal medicine and prosecute individuals spreading harmful medical advice.
• Kenyan Citizens: Must critically evaluate health information, seek professional medical advice, and advocate for better healthcare services.

Spreading misinformation that discourages hospital visits, especially in a country where health-seeking behavior is already compromised, is reckless and dangerous. Individuals promoting such narratives should be held accountable for endangering public health. The focus should instead be on advocating for a stronger, more accessible healthcare system that serves all Kenyans effectively and equitably.

Link to the Tiktok video