Prevention and care of diabetic foot, Benin

Objectives

Train healthcare professionals in diabetic foot treatment
Raise awareness among the population of Benin about diabetic foot problems
Screen for diabetic foot in diabetic patients

Approach

The project application builds on WDF09-464 and WDF13-766. Project activities include:

Capacity building:

Training of doctors as ToTs for 10 days in screening of DM, diabetic foot care and referral.
ToTs to train HCPs (doctors for 5 days, nurses for 4 days) in DM care incl. diabetic foot care training, counselling and referral where pre and post-test are included.
Training conducted by clinicians incl. academics from medical schools.
Establishment of foot clinics incl. treatment and care:
Equipment of referral and micro-clinics at zone hospitals for diabetic foot care.
Provision of foot care to existing and newly detected cases at established micro-clinics including referral to zone hospital if needed.
Routine monitoring based on clinical indicators.
Awareness incl. media campaign:
Organisation of monthly awareness and educational sessions for patients at peripheral level health zone hospitals. Benin Diabetic Association responsible for planning and organisation.
Organisation of events in connection with World Diabetes Day.
Awareness raising about diabetes, risk factors and prevention of diabetic foot complication through radio and TV spots.

Results at completion

21 doctors trained in the treatment of diabetic foot
34 nurses trained in the treatment of diabetic foot
2 clinics strengthened and 12 micro-clinics established
20,861 patients screened for diabetes related foot problems
4,407 patients with high risk feet provided care and counselling
2,749 patients with diabetes related foot problems referred for treatment
1,627 ulcers healed out of 1,787 treated
36 information and awareness sessions on diabetic foot completed