In recent years non-communicable diseases like diabetes have emerged as a major public health threat not only to people living in the high-income countries, but also to people in low-and middle-income countries. Deaths due to non-communicable diseases are estimated to represent 60 % of all deaths worldwide. 80 % of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.Awareness of risk factors like unhealthy food, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol and tobacco consumption and how to reduce these risks is expected to decrease the rate of rise in the number of people developing diabetes and other related NCDs. Empowering people with simple tools to avoid risk factors is expected to have a beneficial effect and reduce premature deaths as well health and economic suffering.The aim of the project is to improve awareness of diabetes and related NCDs and their common risk factors and to improve diabetes care in 20 rural communities in Lagos State of Nigeria.
Health Matters Incorporated (HMI) is implementing this project in Lagos State, Nigeria in collaboration with the Diabetes Association of Nigeria and with technical expertise from Lagos University Teaching Hospital.The project will plan and conduct a sensitisation seminar for stakeholders and community leaders from 20 districts in Lagos State to inform them of the risks and consequences of diabetes. Hereby, the stakeholders are expected to realise the seriousness of diabetes and subsequently encourage people in the community to take responsibility to change risk behaviour and engage in the fight against diabetes.The project will create programs to reach out to the public and create awareness about diabetes. This will initially be achieved through an extensive media campaign reaching out to around 3 million people. The media campaign will focus on primary prevention, early detection and management. Five radio announcements will be aired on a popular radio station and a jingle will be constructed to create general public interest and responsiveness. In addition, materials and information kits including posters, leaflets, stickers, T-shirts and face caps will be distributed. 30,000 people are expected to be sensitised through these efforts.In order to improve the existing health care system in diabetes care, a five day workshop will be planned and conducted for 100 health care personnel. The training curriculum will be based on IDF Africa’s training manual and cover topics like diagnostics, primary and secondary prevention and care as well as treatment of complications.In addition to the training of health care personnel, 400 diabetes peer educators will participate in a three-day training programme. 20 peer educators from each of the 20 districts will be sensitised on diabetes risk factor, assessment, primary prevention, self care and management, behavioural changes and improving life style skills. Trained peers are expected to reach out to ten people a month. In order to ensure the maintenance of peer support and continuation of the peer educators’ activities, a Community Based Organisation (CBO) will be formed. This initiative will ensure continuation of education, care and support in people with diabetes. Regular meetings will be held for the peer educators to discuss challenges, contributions and achievements.In order to improve diabetes care and awareness in remote areas, a mobile van will be introduced. The mobile clinic will perform visits to each of the 20 communities and each visit will last five days and will be undertaken five times during the project period. A team of 12 health care personnel will perform diabetes awareness, screening and education. A person identified with diabetes or at being at risk of diabetes will be referred for further treatment in appropriate medical facilities. Data will be collected to guarantee follow-up during the next visit.Many developing countries are experiencing the double burden of both communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The communicable disease HIV/AIDS has been a huge problem in low-and middle-income countries for a long time. Recent research has revealed a dreadful link between HIV/AIDS and an increased risk of diabetes. The HIV treatment therapy are increasing glucose homeostasis, dyslipidaemia and insensitivity to insulin in patients with HIV/AIDS, and as HIV/AIDS are resulting in a depressed immune system the risk of developing diabetes is increased. Therefore, it is necessary to take the link between HIV/AIDS and diabetes seriously. Therefore, the mobile vans will also screen people for HIV/AIDS and provide counselling. This part of the project will be funded by other sources.
• 100 health care professionals from primary health centres have been trained.• 12,520 people have been screened for diabetes. 1,090 (8.7%) of those were diagnosed with diabetes.• 8,134 people have been screened for HIV/AIDS. Of these, 80 were found to have HIV positive results.•200 stakeholders have been sensitised.• 50,000 people reached through Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) materials.• 400 diabetes peer educators trained.