Objective
The project aims to support 210 children and youth with type 1 diabetes.
The target group is disadvanged children and youth with type 1 diabetes in urban and peri-urban areas of Tanzania, outside the capital area of Dar es Salaam. The project is being implemented in three referral Hospitals which are Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (Moshi), Bugando Medical Centre (Mwanza) and Mnazi Mmoja Referral Hospital (Zanzibar). In August 2008, the project was extended to Mbeya Referral Hospital in Mbeya and Sekou Toure Regional Hospital in Mwanza.
The initiative has received full support from the ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The cost of helping children in Tanzania
- The estimated cost of support for one child for one year is approx. USD 450. This amount covers basic medical requirements as well as strips, syringes, lancets, etc. for the regular monitoring of blood glucose levels. In addition hereto, the project also supports children's camps and purchase of refrigerators for the type 1 diabetes clinics as well as computers for updating of patient registries.
Results to date
- The major achievements seen are that the children are surviving longer and more children are being diagnosed early with diabetes (or having heard of the project, many children are appearing at the clinics) and acute complications such as diabetes ketoacidosis are now reduced significantly.
- Diabetes management has been improving due to frequent education being provided. The parents are also increasingly appreciating the importance of good glycaemic control, impact of diet and exercise on diabetes treatment, giving confidence to parents to allow their children to attend camps with peers.
- An increasing number of children are attending school and most of them have joined the secondary school.
- Children have been provided with a glucometer. strips, lancets, syrings and insulin in accordance with applied protocols. Each centre has been provided with a computer and peripherals for updating of patient registries.
- Pediatritians at the sites have undergone training
- TDA has managed to get pilot funding from Rotary International to initiate micro-finance project at Mihimbili National Hospital, type 1 clinic. This pilot will assist TDA in planning the way forward for children at all of the 5 sites.
If you want to know more about this project, please contact: Administration & Programme Manager Ms Benita Bertram |
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