Improving Diabetes Care in Four Districts

Objective

The aim of the project is to contribute to the capacity building of a non-communicable diseases programme in Uganda by conducting a pilot study in four districts of the country.

Expected impact

• 20 diabetes clinics established
• 260 health care providers trained
• Approximately 4,000 people with diabetes educated
• Support groups for diabetes patients established

Results at project completion

• 20 diabetes clinics were established: 5 in Arua, 1 in Amuria, 8 in Kabale and 6 in Wakiso districts. The clinics were equipped with a cupboard, refrigerator for insulin storage, stationary, weighing scales, blood pressure machines, glucose meters, strips, and ophthalmoscope.
• 126 health care professionals were trained; 79 nurses, 23 clinical officers and 14 doctors.
• 4,260 people with diabetes reached with education. 
• Sensitization seminars have been held with community leaders on the burden of diabetes in their area and the need to improve diabetes care by establishing diabetes clinics and support groups.
• A type 1 diabetes support group was established and launched in September 2007. Furthermore, branches of the Uganda Diabetes Association were formed in the pilot districts.
• Several newspapers, radios and TV-stations helped raise awareness with articles and shows about the diabetes burden and the need to take action.
• An ‘Insulin Bank System’ was initiated as a safeguard in case insulin from the government budget is not available. The majority of health facilities have insulin, anti-diabetic and anti-hypertension drugs. In Arua Town, 8 hours drive from Kampala, insulin and other drugs can now be purchased at the joint medical store. 
• Educational material (handbook, posters and a documentary film) have been produced for use in diabetes education.

Project details

In rural Uganda, the delivery and quality of diabetes care is very poor. People with diabetes not always have access to insulin and often have to travel long distances to visit a diabetes clinic. Proper management of diabetes can significantly reduce diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. However, in rural areas in Uganda, there is a limited access to diabetes specialists and multidisciplinary treatment, and the quality of diabetes management and treatment are often very poor. Approach The pilot project is covering 4 districts in Uganda and seeks to improve diabetes care through the following main interventions: 20 diabetes clinics in 4 districts of Uganda will be established and equipped with patient registers and structured clinical forms. Awareness raising through local media and integration of diabetes in existing prevention programmes for other diseases will be used as means to sensitise policy makers and the public in general. Support groups for people with diabetes will be formed and run in close collaboration with the Uganda Diabetes Association. Health care providers will be trained in the use of diabetes management guidelines and referral system.

This page was last updated 1-26-2011 by wdf.pia