Capacity building for treatment of diabetic foot, Ivory Coast

Objectives

In Ivory Coast, the prevalence of diabetic foot problem is 16% in hospital environment, with equally high rates of amputation and mortality: 63.81% and 16% respectively. Foot lesions ("at risk" feet) are present in 32.8% of diabetic patients. Moreover, diabetes is often discovered when there is a foot ulcer, while there is no podiatrist to limit the effects of this serious complication. In Ivory Coast and elsewhere in Africa, diabetes is the main cause of limb amputation and represents by far the most expensive complication of diabetes

Objectives
The aim is to establish diabetes clinic and continue on foot care. Also, to raise awareness among the general population.

Approach

This project strives to set up foot care units at selected district primary level centres and at referral level, through provision of a foot care equipment. Additionally, to improve patient registries through provision of IT equipment. Moreover, healthcare professionals and dieticians in nutritional care will be offered training and refresher training with focus on foot care, and foot care kits will be provided to all participants. This is also done to enable improved glycaemic control for people living with diabetes and for people at risk. Screening camps will be conducted for diagnosing people with diabetes and foot ulcers who will be referred for treatment at strengthened clinics.

Furthermore, a media campaign through TV and radio broadcasts will be conducted to raise awareness and distribute awareness materials on risk factors. Existing peer leader manual from IDF will be used to strengthen diabetes association’s regarding knowledge of diabetes and diabetic foot.

Results at completion

66 (14 general practitioners,14 nurses et 28 health workers) and 10 dieticians trained
Improved equipment for the prevention and care of diabetic foot procured at targeted clinics
18 radio and 18 TV broadcasts produced and aired, more than 5 million people reached through mass media
21 awareness and screening campaigns conducted
38,370 eople screened for diabetes and diabetic foot and sensitised on diabetes
4,453 patients detected with diabetic foot
1,512 people with high risk feet provided care and counselling
30,000 diabetes leaflets + 5,000 diabetic foot prevention leaflets produced and distributed
National register of diabetics improved
20 associations leaders trained