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In the Palestinian areas the relationship between prevention of diabetes and nutrition, physical exercise and health is widely unaddressed.
In 2003, DanChurchAid and the Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) initiated a diabetes project in Gaza and the West Bank. As part of this WDF supported project, a diabetes centre has been established at AVH, which combines diagnostics, medical treatment, nutrition counselling, prevention and foot care.
The intention of the present project is to continue the work initiated in phase I in the Palestinian areas and to expand the holistic approach to diabetes care and prevention to Gaza.
Objective
The aim of the project is to expand and promote a holistic approach to diabetes care and prevention to cover wide parts of the Palestinian health sector and to be represented in most geographical areas in Gaza and the West Bank.
The project is a continuation and expansion of another WDF funded project WDF02-010.
Approach
The present project is a multi-partner approach headed by DanChurchAid and the Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) in Jerusalem. The main partners of the project include the Palestinian Authorities (Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), the Near East Council of Churches in Gaza and Ibdaa Association in Bethlehem and finally the Lutheran World Federation Village Health Program.
The project seeks to create documentation for the efficiency of various diabetes protocols in order to influence decision makers to implement health policies and procedures that prioritise and promote a holistic approach to diabetes care and prevention.
In continuation of the previous project, school children from 10 school classes and their parents will be informed about healthy living. "Wellness days" will be arranged once a year at the 10 schools including activities such as sport games, preparation of healthy food and demonstration of the impact of food and exercise on the bodies.
Furthermore, on-the-job-training will be provided at sattelite clinics as well as the diabetes clinic at the Augusta Victoria Hospital to health professionals from the Palestinian Authorities, UNRWA clinics and non-governmental organisations working in the area of health. A training team from AVH, consisting of 2 doctors, 3 nurses and 2 nutritionists, will visit each of the selected clinics bi-annually.
Finally, three satellite clinics for diabetes care and prevention will be established with the purpose of improving access to diabetes care. In addition to the satellite clinics, AVH will continue to run a diabetes clinic at the AVH. This diabetes clinic will treat difficult cases of diabetes referred from the satellite clinics and from other clinics on the West Bank and Gaza.
Expected impact
- 250 health professionals provided with on the job-training at sattelite clinics as well as the diabetes clinic at the Augusta Victoria Hospital
- Three satellite clinics for diabetes care and prevention established. The clinics will be located in Gaza, Southern West Bank (Bethlehem) and Northern West Bank (Ramallah area)
- Foot clinic established at the Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem
- 600 foot patients treated annually
- 1,500 people with diabetes treated at the Augusta Victoria Hospital diabetes clinic and the satellite clinics
- 650 school children will participate in "healthy living" campaign
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