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In Uganda, like in most developing countries, the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is increasing rapidly. NCDs have a high cost of management and yet, they can be prevented and controlled using simple and cost-effective means by targeting their risk factors.
The project is based on the Ministry of Health and the WHO, conducting a population-based survey on the knowledge of risk factors and prevalence and prevention of diabetes in Uganda.
The information obtained from this survey will guide the Ministry of Health of Uganda in the development of a national policy on NCDs and the appropriate interventions for the control and prevention of diabetes.
Objective
The project seeks to establish the prevalence of diabetes risk factors in the country, in order to guide future risk reduction efforts.
Approach
The project is in line with the national health sector strategic plan and the effort of the Ministry of Health to improve the prevention and control of NCDs.
A nationwide, cross-sectional survey will be conducted using the WHO STEP wise approach (a method for collecting, analysing and disseminating data for chronic disease risk factors in WHO member countries) and employing quantitative as well as qualitative methods of data collection. The sample will be selected in such a way that age and sex comparisons as well as rural-urban comparisons are enabled. The survey will involve 10 of the 56 districts in Uganda with an estimated sample size of 13.000 people.
In order to assess the knowledge of diabetes and its risk factors in the public, part of the project is to conduct a survey to cover these issues and hereby lay the foundation for guiding the development of appropriate information to the public.
An adapted WHO STEPS questionnaire will be used for quantitative data collection, where as the qualitative methods of data collection consist of in-depth individual interviews and focus group discussions. The key informants will include community members, traditional healers, health workers, community leaders and patients with diabetes.
Also, as part of the strategy, the project will assess the capacity of the health facilities to prevent and manage diabetes and identify areas of strengthening in order to enhance and control diabetes.
The findings from the survey will be disseminated to the Ministry of Health, development partners and other stakeholders. The purpose is hereby to guide the future planning and decision-making processes regarding diabetes prevention and -control in Uganda.
Expected impact
- Data on risk factor(s) and diabetes prevalence to form the basis for informed and appropriate policies and action plans for prevention and control of diabetes.
- Increased funding for the NCD area from Ministry of Health and health sector donors
- Distribution of the data in Uganda, guiding policy makers and donors in neighbouring countries on the emerging burden and need for action.
Results to date
- The NCD survey protocol and tools have been finalised and approved.
- The NCD survey equipment has been procured.
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