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Brazil is experiencing a heavy increase in the prevalence of diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation the number of people with diabetes in the adult population is approximately 6 million, and this number is expected to double by the year 2025.
Recent years' efforts to increase awareness of diabetes in Brazil have been successful. The government has recognised diabetes as an important health issue, and steps have been taken to improve diabetes treatment across the nation.
However, despite allocation of resources to the area, many budgets remain underutilized. This is especially the case in medium-sized cities, where health care professionals often lack the necessary skills in diabetes treatment and resource mobilization.
Objective
The project seeks to improve diabetes treatment in 51 low-income medium-sized cities in Brazil.
Approach
The National Federation of Diabetes Associations and Entities (FENAD) has joined forces with 3 other agents in order to improve diabetes care in Brazil. The other agencies include the two most important agents in the area of primary health care; the Ministry of Health and the National Council of Municipal Health Secretariats (CONASEMS), who are in a position to influence public policies at community as well as national level. The third agent; the Lions Clubs International Foundation will assist the project with its expertise in implementing retinopathy campaigns, and this way help the target cities to improve prevention of diabetes-related blindness.
In each of the 51 target cities, a 15-member multi-professional team will be trained in diabetes treatment and resource allocation. In addition to this, each of the 51 member teams are obligated to further train teams of health care professionals in at least 3 surrounding cities.
Furthermore, an ongoing retinopathy project funded by Lions Club will be expanded to the target cities. In connection with this, people with diabetes in 51 cities will be provided with services for secondary prevention of blindness.
Expected impact
- 765 health care professionals and administrative staff from 51 target cities trained in diabetes education and treatment as well as resource mobilization
- 3,060 health care professionals in 153 municipalities educated in diabetes care at the community level
- At least 244,800 people with diabetes in 204 Brazilian cities will benefit directly or indirectly by improved diabetes care in their home towns
- At least 125,000 people with diabetic retinopathy offered ophthalmologic services to prevent blindness
Results to date
- 100 trainers have been trained through ‘training-of-trainers’ (ToT) courses in six pilot-cities; Pirapora, Janauba, Montes Claros, Cajamar, Marilia and Teresina
- 793 health care professionals from 143 public health care centres have been trained by the ToTs
- 2159 community health care workers connected to the public health care centres trained by health care professionals
- A total of 21 cities of the remaining 45 to participate in the project have been named by the health authorities
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