Objectives

• Mobilise opinion leaders on diabetes and hypertension prevention
• Strengthen the capacities of CHWs and HCPs for diabetes and hypertension care services
• Strengthen 450 primary health facilities to offer quality diabetes and hypertension care services that are accessible to the poorest
• Set up a reliable system for reporting diabetes and hypertension monitoring data at the national level

Approach

The project seeks to build on previous WDF projects and leverage operationalisation of a MoH-led roll out of diabetes and hypertension services to six additional provinces of Benin (Littoral, Ouémé, Plateau, Zou, Borgou and Alibori), hereby reaching national coverage. Project activities are part of the Ministry’s National Programme for the Fight against NCDs (PNLMNT).

Nationwide screening campaigns and sensitisation events targeting public institutions, CSOs, journalists and the wider population will be rolled out to increase demand for diabetes and hypertension services.

Using the recently updated and nationally approved WHO PEN protocols, nurses and midwives of primary health facilities will be trained in diabetes and hypertension management, incl. hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP). Clinical mentorship for HCPs and basic equipment will be provided to targeted health facilities and the MoH will ensure that the Public Central Medical Store procures basic diabetes and hypertension medicines for these facilities. Diabetes care services will be brought closer to the most vulnerable citizens and the referral system will be strengthened.

At the national level, the project will ensure that NCD data are included into the national HIMS and that health facilities are properly reporting NCD data in order to improve policy planning. The NCD monitoring system, which is still in its infancy, will be developed and strengthened through this project.

Finally, the involvement and empowerment of patients’ associations and diabetes clubs will ensure that project activities remain relevant throughout the course of the project.

Expected results

• 100,000 adults screened for diabetes and hypertension
• 450 public primary health facilities strengthened
• 150 doctors trained as WHO PEN trainers
• 933 nurse and 417 midwives trained in diabetes and hypertension care
• 1,000 CWHs trained in diabetes and hypertension prevention
• 10,000 diabetic and/or subjects with hypertension monitored in all the targeted health facilities.
• 20,000 women screened for HIP
• 25 diabetes clubs and 9 provincial patient associations supported