In an innovative move to combat the growing threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), health officials have embarked on a unique initiative to equip religious leaders with essential health education. Over the past two days, health coordinators from the Central Monastic Body and the Chhoedey Lhentshog across six eastern districts gathered in Samdrup Jongkhar for an intensive training session focused on the prevention of NCDs such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
Departing from their traditional focus on spiritual teachings, the monks and nuns in attendance dedicated their time to understanding the critical links between lifestyle choices and the surge in chronic illnesses. Health experts led discussions on the impact of unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption, emphasizing that even modest changes—like incorporating more fruits and vegetables into daily meals and increasing physical activity—can significantly reduce health risks.
Lhagyal Wangdi, a teacher at Samdrupcholing Dratshang, outlined plans to integrate health education into regular community engagements. “We will introduce a monthly session on non-communicable diseases in our dratshang. NCDs are increasing in our country, so the religious institutes will interact with the community to bring down the cases,” he stated. His remarks underscored the importance of continuous dialogue between health officials and community leaders.
Kinley Penjor, the chief programme officer for the Religion and Health Programme under the Central Monastic Body, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the dual benefits of the initiative. “To prevent the diseases, we, with the support from health officials, provide awareness to the general public on NCD. It will be beneficial if we can also create awareness within the community,” Penjor said. By merging spiritual guidance with practical health advice, the programme aims to foster a well-informed community better equipped to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Samdrup Jongkhar’s Lam Neten Doden Dorji summed up the transformative potential of the initiative: “The purpose of religious figures is to serve and uplift others. While we may not always be able to offer financial assistance, we can educate and raise awareness. Let us focus on increasing awareness of NCDs to help reduce their prevalence.”
Funded by the World Health Organization in collaboration with the health ministry, similar training sessions have been rolled out in various parts of the country. As the participating monks and nuns return to their respective institutions, they carry with them a renewed mission: to incorporate health education into their spiritual teachings and community outreach, thereby empowering individuals to lead healthier lives and safeguard both their physical and spiritual well-being.
