The death of Komora Jilo Mubadi, collapsing just before his National Police Service Commission interview, has brought to light a deeply concerning trend: sudden deaths. Not long after, a police officer seemingly healthy and fit collapsed while going about her home chores in Juja.
These are not isolated cases; many Kenyans can recount similar stories within their own circles, painting a picture of a disturbing pattern. This surge in sudden deaths and fatalities following short illnesses demands immediate and decisive action from the health sector.
If a specialised task force is necessary, then it should be established. The rampant speculation surrounding these incidents is as alarming as the events themselves, fueling public anxiety and mistrust.
One prevalent theory attributes these deaths to after-effects of Covid-19 vaccines. While this possibility warrants a thorough investigation, it’s crucial to acknowledge existence of other potent, often silent killers.
High blood pressure, heart ailments, and blood clots are well-documented causes of sudden death. To address this crisis, we must delve into the underlying factors that contribute to these conditions. What is making these conditions more prevalent and more deadly?
A critical area of inquiry should be the quality and safety of our food supply. Both processed and unprocessed foods available in supermarkets and fresh markets may harbor hidden dangers. The increasing reliance on chemicals to boost yields and extend shelf life raises serious concerns about long-term health implications.
Furthermore, the focus on profit margins in food imports often overshadows quality control, potentially exposing consumers to hazardous substances. It is time to prioritise public health over profit.
Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles must also be considered. The shift from physically demanding activities like walking to school or working on farms to motorised transport has reduced our daily exercise. This lack of physical activity can contribute to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular diseases.
The confluence of these factors; potential vaccine side effects, underlying health conditions, compromised food safety, and sedentary habits—creates a complex web of potential causes. They need a multi-pronged approach.
There is a silver lining though. The emphasis on primary health care by the government presents one of the best approaches towards addressing the silent killers; hypertension, diabestes, fatty liver disease among others.
The health sector must still prioritise comprehensive research to identify root causes of these sudden deaths. This research should encompass epidemiological studies, food safety analyses, and lifestyle assessments. Public awareness campaigns are also essential to educate Kenyans about healthy living.
A comprehensive report may also inform changes in acceptable standards across the food processing chain, access to drugs and general awareness campaigns to keep the society in the know of the risks they are exposed to.
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