Roche, others conduct Diabetes screening for 6,000 Nigerians

On Nov 29, 2023

Roche Diabetes Care in collaboration with the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) and ISN Medical, have launched a nationwide diabetes screening campaign to promote early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Tosin Akinsulire, Product Manager, Roche Diabetes Care, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Akinsulire said that no fewer than 6, 000 Nigerians had benefited from the initiative, highlighting the critical importance of early detection in preventing diabetes-related complications. She quoted the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) as saying that 3.6 million people are living with diabetes in Nigeria.

“With millions of people globally lacking access to diabetes care; the majority of them residing in low-to-middle-income countries; the launch of this collaborative screening campaign is aimed at addressing barriers to awareness, early testing and timely management or treatment. The mass screenings were launched on World Diabetes Day, Nov. 14, across 73 DAN chapters in Nigeria and 23 hospitals. The screening primarily took place within hospital premises, and people who received positive diagnoses were referred to general practitioners for further treatment. The team also carried out diabetes awareness sessions at some of these camps where they educated the public about diabetes and its management,” she said.

Akinsulire added that Roche invests in the communities where it operates.

“We believe that partnership across the public and private sectors is the key to improving access to diabetes care for people who are 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.

Dr Alkali Mohammed, President, Diabetes Association of Nigeria, said that the initiative was in line with this year’s theme of the World Diabetes Day released by IDF of “know your risk, know your response”.

“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 partner, Roche and ISN Medical, who have remained committed as we are increasing access and achieving universal healthcare coverage for all Nigerians,” he added.

Ify Chioke, Director for Consumer Health at ISN, said, “The screening partnership will see ISN Medical providing support by supplying Accu-Chek®️ testing equipment. While Roche will donate the necessary Accu-Chek blood glucose monitoring products to hospitals and also distribute educational materials such as screening booklets, educational booklets, and dietary brochures. This collaboration with DAN is not a new venture for Roche Diabetes, given the common vision and aim to address the growing prevalence of diabetes in the country, the two organisations have conducted similar diabetes awareness initiatives at 30 institutions across various communities in the past month. Over the past few years, these efforts also involved participation in walks and community engagements to raise awareness about diabetes,” she added.

NAN/Wumi