Many areas of Pakistan are facing a critical problem regarding diabetes complications. People from the low income areas of Pakistan have difficulties in getting access to diabetes care and accordingly there is a high prevalence of diabetic complications among this sub population. The prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan is close to 7 %

Objectives

This WDF funded project seeks to establish affordable diabetes care. By supporting three clinics in the districts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, it will become possible for people, living in these low income areas, to get proper treatment despite.

Approach

In order to reach the proposed objectives the following is planned.

The clinics that are already established, by the applicant institution in the targeted areas, will be strengthened by training and procurement of basic instruments. This will increase the level of needed diabetes care to support the beneficiaries.
Weekly screening camps across the two targeted districts will be conducted, including referral of diagnosed patients. This implies that cases with severe complications are referred for specialist care.

In order to secure a high reach on this project, a roll-out of larger scale awareness campaigns is conducted. This includes several billboards, television broadcasts and newspaper advertisements. Education material and pamphlets will also be produced and distributed.

In order to strengthen primary level care capacity, within the public health sector, implementation of diabetes training sessions, at local public nursing schools will be initiated. The large amount of nursing students will make it possible to deliver care in the necessary scale. These sessions will be held every second month.

It is also a goal to ensure sustainability within the targeted areas of Pakistan. Accordingly enhancement of relations with local authorities and private sectors are conducted. This is achieved through advocacy activities including publication of an evaluation report to be conducted.

Expected results
• 25,000 people screened for diabetes
• 180,000 pcs. of education material produced and distributed
• 24 media advocacy campaigns conducted
• 1,000 nursing students trained in diabetes care

Results upon completion
• 315 nurses, 6 doctors and 5 paramedical staff trained on diabetes
• 110 awareness and screening camps conducted
• 12,699 screening tests for diabetes conducted