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During the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, a large portion of the health system was destroyed and staff were killed or exiled, leaving the country with severe lack of qualified health staff.
This project is the second phase of a WDF funded diabetes project in Rwanda, Diabetes training of 24 para medicals (WDF05-112). In the first phase, 24 health care providers were trained in diabetes care, leading to an increase in number of people diagnosed with diabetes.
Whereas the French Diabetes Association (AFD) held the overall project responsibility of implementing phase I, this responsibility has been handed over to the Rwandan Diabetes Association (ARD) in phase II and hereby strengthening local ownership in the project.
Objective
The aim of the project is to improve diabetes care in Rwanda by training health care providers in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diabetes.
Approach
With the support from AFD and the Rwandan Government, ARD will conduct 5 training courses in diabetes care and prevention. At each training session, 24 para medicals will be trained in diagnostics and treatment as well as primary and secondary prevention of diabetes. The Diabetes Practice Guidelines and the Diabetes Educational Manual developed by the International Diabetes Federation will constitute the basic working tools in the training courses.
The 120 para medicals trained in the ARD courses are expected to cascade their knowledge to a least 5 other health care personnel in their areas. Thus, a total number of 720 health care staff will be trained through the project.
Besides training of health care staff, diabetes registers will be established in health facilities and workshops for journalists will be held to sensitise media on diabetes.
Expected impact
- 720 health care providers and educators trained in diabetes care and prevention.
Results to date
- 183 nurses, 58 medical assistants and 9 doctors in the Northern Province, Eastern Province and Kigali City were trained.
- 50 journalists from radio, TV and the printed press underwent training. As a consequence, they produce material concerning health and diabetes in particular for radio, TV and newspapers. One newspaper dedicated half a page to diabetes every fortnight.
- 45 political makers attended a one-day seminar about diabetes.
- 40 representatives for diabetes associations from different 30 districts in the country, and nurses who work with diabetes associations were trained to be trainers so that persons who live with diabetes can manage their condition.
- Children with diabetes were trained for two days, among them some children are catered for by diabetes associations. The children were extremely happy and requested that such action be repeated if possible.
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