Sodiq Ojuroungbe
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Roche Diabetes Care, in collaboration with the Diabetes Association of Nigeria and ISN Medical, has launched a nationwide mass diabetes screening campaign to promote early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
The screening which was carried out in major hospitals and diabetes centres across the country, had over 6, 000 Nigerians as beneficiaries.
The World Health Organsiation described diabetes as a chronic, metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose, which over time causes serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
According to the WHO, about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, the majority living in low-and middle-income countries, and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year.
The global health body states that both the number of cases and the prevalence of diabetes have been steadily increasing over the past few decades.
Highlighting the critical importance of early detection in preventing diabetes-related complications, the foundation launched a collaborative screening campaign to address barriers to awareness, early testing, and timely management or treatment.
The President of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Dr Alkali Mohammed, said the screening was in line with the year’s theme of World Diabetes Day released by the International Diabetes Federation titled, ‘Know your risk, know your response’.
He said the mass screenings were carried out across 73 DAN chapters in Nigeria and 23 hospitals.
Mohammed added that the screening primarily took place within hospital premises, and people who received positive diagnoses were referred to general practitioners for further treatment.
He further said the team also carried out diabetes awareness sessions at some of the camps and the public educated on diabetes and its management.
“The Diabetes Association of Nigeria carried out awareness and screening in 73 DAN chapters and branches as well as 23 hospitals throughout the country. Over 6000 members of the public were screened during the nationwide campaign which is a significant boost to the theme and in line with the proactive care initiative in Nigeria.
“We were supported by our long-standing partners, Roche, and ISN Medical who have remained committed as we are in increasing access and achieving Universal healthcare coverage for all Nigerians,” Mohammed said.
The Product Manager at Roche Diabetes Care, Tosin Akinsulire noted that partnership across the public and private sectors is the key to improving access to diabetes care for people with the medical condition and those at risk.
“We are honoured to join forces with the Diabetes Association of Nigeria in their drive to help improve access to diabetes care across the country along with our partner ISN Medical.
“We hope that the people who have been detected with diabetes and pre-diabetes through these camps kick-start their treatment journey and enjoy fulfilling lives with the people they love,” she added.
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