Diabetes Day: NGO sensitises, screens 200 Nasarawa residents

On Nov 15, 2023

An NGO, Ahmed Bola Oduleye Charity (ABOC) Foundation, on Tuesday has embarked on sensitisation and free diabetes screening for no fewer than 200 residents of Adogi Community near Lafia, Nasarawa State. The medical outreach was as part of activities to mark the 2023 World Diabetes Day.

Olanrewaju Oyindamola, Programme Officer of the Foundation, said that the outreach was in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health and Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

She noted that diabetes was a global health challenge that required collective attention and action, adding that raising awareness about its prevention and management was critical.

“Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to severe health complications, but it is also largely preventable through lifestyle choices and early detection. In 2023, the campaign focuses on the importance of knowing the risk and type of diabetes to help delay or prevent the condition. It also focuses on highlighting the impact of diabetes-related complications and the importance of having access to the right information and care to ensure timely treatment and management,” she said.

Oyindamola said that one in every 10 adults worldwide had diabetes, with more than 90 per cent of the number living with Type 2 diabetes.

She added that more than half of those living with the disease were not diagnosed.

“Today, we must commit to supporting initiatives that promote healthier living, increase access to diabetes screenings, and provide better care for those living with diabetes. It is our responsibility to ensure that people around the world have the tools and knowledge they need to lead healthier lives and manage diabetes effectively,” the programme officer said.

She urged governments, healthcare professionals, and communities to work together to tackle the growing diabetes epidemic.

“Let us invest in education, research, and healthcare infrastructure to reduce the impact of diabetes and improve the quality of life for those affected by it. By coming together, we can make a significant difference in the fight against diabetes and work towards a world where this condition no longer poses a threat to global health,” she said.

Responding on behalf of the community, the traditional ruler, ‘Sarkin Adogi, Mallam Idris Omaku, thanked the NGO for choosing Adogi for the outreach.

He said the intervention would go a long way to help the people know their status and better manage their health.

Omaku advised his subjects to take advantage of the opportunity to get tested and receive treatment when found to be positive.

NAN/Wumi