Diabetes in Uzbekistan

Objectives

Public health care provision for diabetes care has decreased in Uzbekistan over the last few years. As a result, only 15-20% of patients receive the required medication.

Also, many people with diabetes - having been used to "the State taking care of them" - are finding it difficult to assume responsibility for their care.

This project seeks to address this situation by establishing 14 diabetes information centres, each with a diabetes school teaching self-care and management to people with diabetes.

The project seeks to improve the quality of life, promote a change in attitude among people with diabetes towards self-care and personal responsibility, and provide information and resources to facilitate healthy lifestyles.

Approach

Through establishing 14 regional diabetes information centres, the project aims to provide information, resources and other facilities for people with diabetes throughout Uzbekistan. Doctors and nurses will also offer information and training to support these centres.

The Ministry of Health will cover all costs for staff and facilities as the centres are fully integrated into the public health system. Under the coordination of the Association of Endocrinologists, the centres will be joined in a network to facilitate the exchange of information and the adequate provision of services.

At the centres, people with diabetes and those at risk or relatives can obtain information on diabetes, risk factors, prevention and healthy living. Each diabetes school will provide in-depth information to 20 people with diabetes each month.

Specialised seminars will be conducted for doctors and nurses from each region to raise the general level of diabetes care for people with diabetes.

In addition, a newsletter will be issued, and a website will be launched. The purpose of the newsletter is to provide even more information to people with diabetes and to reach beyond those visiting the centres.
The website seeks to facilitate the exchange and spreading of information among the centres, including providing healthcare professionals with the latest information on treatment and prevention.

Results at completion

• 14 diabetes and information points/stations were set up in all regions of Uzbekistan.
• 42 doctors and nurses were trained to work in the centres
• 3,200 patients were trained in-depth on self-care
• Seminars involving 720 participants of doctors and nurses were held in 14 regions