NCDAK launched Fafanuka *215#, a SMS and USSD NCD information platform, on World Diabetes Day 14 November 2018. The culmination of collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Safaricom PLC, and NCDAK, Fafanuka provides easy to understand information on NCDs: signs, symptoms, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis and management. The platform, powered by Safaricom PLC, focuses on cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and general information on healthy living and will be expanded to include mental health, dementia and other NCDs. Citizens access accurate information on NCDs and healthy living, in English and Kiswahili, on subscription to the service.
With mobile phone penetration of 97.8% in Kenya, it is anticipated that the platform will address the information gap on NCDs prevention and management; promote healthy living, early detection and treatment; dispel NCD myths; reduce stigmatization of people living with NCDs; and contribute to reducing the NCD burden.
