Cameroon burden of diabetes, Phase II

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes are becoming increasingly important causes of mortality and morbidity in developing countries. In recognition of the increasing number of people who get diabetes, the Ministry of Health in Cameroon has decided to support the development and implementation of a national diabetes programme. The present project is Phase II of a project in Cameroon supported by WDF (WDF02-016). The aim of Phase I was to create a system for the surveillance, prevention and control of diabetes, and hereby laying the foundation for a national diabetes programme.  Major successes were achieved during Phase I, including the establishment of district based diabetes treatment programmes in four sites in Cameroon as well as initiating a diabetes and NCD risk factor surveillance programme and a national diabetes programme. Objective The aim of Phase II of the project is to support the development and implementation of a national diabetes programme and to improve diabetes treatment in all provinces of Cameroon. Approach At the request of the Ministry of Health, and building on Phase I of the project, Phase II seeks to extend the surveillance, prevention and control approach from Phase I to the remaining six provinces of Cameroon. In total, this implies access to diabetes care in all 10 provinces of Cameroon. Regarding the surveillance aspect of the project, data on diabetes incidence and risk factors as well as data on mortality and diabetes complications will be collected and used for policy development and advocacy purposes at the local, regional and national level. The surveillance activities are conducted in accordance with the WHO Steps-approach and hereby allow international comparisons. Based on the data collected, an advocacy strategy is implemented in order to influence and promote healthy policy initiatives at all levels. Furthermore, health education resources and methods developed under Phase I are implemented at local and national level, and key stakeholders are encouraged to implement health promotion programmes at the community-level. To ensure appropriate access to and quality of diabetes care, diabetes clinics are established within existing health facilities. Health staff at the diabetes clinics receives training on diabetes prevention, diagnosis and care, and a strong dialogue with traditional healers helps clarify the respective roles of modern medical care and traditional care. Expected impact Opening of diabetes clinics in the six provinces of Cameroon not covered by "Cameroon burden of diabetes I"  Training of at least 40-50 clinic staff Completion of surveillance, prevention and control activities initiated in "Cameroon burden of diabetes I" Results to date 21 diabetes and hypertension clinics have been established under Phase II of the project in these sites; Buea and Kumba (South West Province), Ngaoundéré (Adamaoua Province), Maroua (Far North Province), Bertoua (Eastern Province), Bafoussam (West Province) and Ebolowa (South Province). In Phase I and II of the CamBoD project, a total of 39 clinics have been established nationwide 180 health care personnel have been trained in management of hypertension and diabetes to run the new clinics A total of 60 community based organisations have been included in the health promotion activities of the project in the four sentinel sites Garoua, Bamenda, Yaoundé and Douala and have received a 2-day training During implementation of Phase I and II of CAMBOD, the drug availability and affordability has greatly improved; the central drug store now carries all medication, strips and equipment and ensures timely delivery nationwide All data collection has now been completed and the results of the Second National Survey are expected by end February 2008 A total of 846 health promotion activities have been implemented in the four sentinel sites in which 44,758 people attended Strong emphasis has been placed on sensitisation of traditional healers; a total of 106 traditional healers from the four sentinel sites have received training.

Project data