By Pemphero Malimba:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stressed the need for Malawi to double its efforts in fighting diabetes.
WHO projections indicate that 55 million people in Africa will be diabetic by the year 2045, an increase from the current 24 million people.
The global body’s health systems coordinator for Malawi Solome Nampewo said effort-doubling has the potential to reduce cases of diabetes by 2045, hence the call.
“In the African region, 24 million adults are living with diabetes and these numbers are projected to increase to 55 million people by 2045.
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“So, the earlier we double our efforts, in terms of disease prevention, the better. There is a need to join hands in tackling risk factors,” Nampewo said.
She said this on Tuesday during World Diabetes Day commemorations held at Mpotola Primary School, Senior Chief Makwangwala, in Ntcheu District.
The event was held under the theme ‘Diabetes: Know Your Risk, Know Your Response’.
Ministry of Health Principal Secretary for Administration Bestone Chisamire, who was the guest of honour at the event, said government is committed to fighting diabetes in the country.
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“The ministry is, among other things, working on scaling up community screening for diabetes and hypertension. Using support from Unicef [United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund], we have procured enough glucometers and blood pressure digital machines for all community health workers in the country including health surveillance assistants to provide community screening for diabetes and hypertension,” Chisamire said.
Diabetes Association of Malawi President Clement Mandala said there is a need for financial support for the cause.
“Some people in Malawi are dying without knowing that it is because of diabetes. This is because some people think that the disease is for rich people.
“We, therefore, need to invest more resources in reaching out to many people with messages regarding the disease,” Mandala said.
World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14 to promote awareness on the disease and its implications.
In Malawi, one person out of 10 people testing for the disease is diagnosed with diabetes, according to the Ministry of Health
