NAIROBI, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- A spike in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has threatened the stability of Kenya's health system, a senior official said on Wednesday.

Rashid Amana, chief administrative secretary of the Ministry of Health said that NCDs that have surged against a backdrop of environmental pollution and sedentary lifestyles are a threat to Kenya's progress.

"These illnesses are long term and the source of catastrophic health spending for Kenyans," said Amana during the 9th annual scientific and health conference taking place in Nairobi.

He challenged researchers to help find a scientific evidence to explain to the populations the origin and effect of the NCDs.

He noted that even though locally generated scientific evidence has helped the country make remarkable progress in its response to infectious diseases such as malaria and HIV and AIDS, there is need to find means of disrupting the cycle of malaria transmission to enable the country eradicate the disease.

He told scientists to enhance the reach and scope of their research in detecting disease outbreaks faster enough given that Kenya shares borders with countries that are yet to establish robust governance and health structures.

Amana revealed that the government is in the final stages of developing health research policy that will boost response to epidemics.

The official said the policy will include finding local financing mechanisms in supporting the health sector since most development partners are already cutting their support.

According to Amana, the National Research Fund that was set up by the government will also start allocating funds to health research.

"You have to translate findings in initiatives that could support economic development," said Amana.