Despite notable improvements in the socio-political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), healthcare in general, and diabetes care in particular, remains inadequate and reliant on external assistance. The availability of insulin in DRC has been constrained due to a prolonged period of war. A previous WDF-funded project (WDF02-041) addressed this emergency by providing insulin and oral diabetes medication to people with diabetes in Kinshasa and the Kisantu Bas-Congo healthcare zone.The current project represents the second phase of the WDF diabetes project in DRC. It signifies the continuation of the previous partnership between WDF and the country's Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR).The project's primary objective is to enhance healthcare for individuals with diabetes in Kinshasa and the Kisantu Bas-Congo health zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This project extends geographically from the previous WDF-funded project, "Insulin Availability" (WDF02-041).
The initial phase of the WDF diabetes project in DRC has played a pivotal role in drawing political attention to the importance of diabetes as a public health concern in the country. Consequently, the Congolese Ministry of Health is now developing and implementing a national diabetes program and has requested assistance from VLIR in this regard.The current project encompasses three main components:1. Enhancement of Programs: The project supports the early detection and management of hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic retinopathy by procuring additional equipment.2. Screening Program Expansion: It extends an existing screening program for gestational diabetes and improves diabetes care for pregnant women.3. Support for National Diabetes Program: The project assists the Congolese Ministry of Health in developing and implementing a national diabetes program. Support is provided by reinforcing the activities of the recently established Center for Diabetes Epidemiology at the School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, and by organizing residential diabetes training courses for doctor-nurse teams.
- Screening, management programs and referral systems for retinopathy, nephropathy, diabetes and pregnancy, and diabetic foot were developped.- The development of PNLD was supported through provision of logistical/secretarial infrastructure, the development of a 3-day residential course curriculum for doctor-nurse teams, and the organisation of 5 basic diabetes courses and 2 diabetes foot courses.- A Center for Diabetes Epidemiology in DRC was created at the School of Public Health, UNIKIN.