The prevalence of diabetes is estimated to be 6.6% in adults (equivalent to 130,000 Guineans). In the general population, three out of four people with diabetes do not know that they have the disease and of the known cases, the majority are not treated. Diabetes is discovered most often when late-stage complications arise. Despite the fact that NCDs are addressed in the Health Strategic Plan of Guinea, resources available are very limited. The country has experienced an increasing number of severe cases of cardiovascular, ocular and foot complications. Often, these cases come in as late referrals, thereby causing a heavy economic burden to society. This is aggravated by poor communication between physicians, lack of proper patient education and follow-up. To improve diabetes and related NCD care by developing access to care at local level and reduce diabetes-related complications including diabetic foot by strengthening quality of care in existing clinics in Conakry and in Regional Hospitals. Furthermore, the project seeks to increase diabetes awareness through implementation of health promotion and prevention activities in remote areas.
The overall goal of this project is to establish a systematic approach for a comprehensive management of diabetes, i.e.:Development of the infrastructureDevelopment of the capacity and expertise to successfully detect and diagnose diabetes in remote areasDevelopment of and increase in the knowledge and understanding of diabetes among health care professionalsIncrease in the awareness of diabetes among policy makers and within the community at large. The project will strengthen the health care system by lifting the competency level of doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers involved, and thus offers a unique opportunity to significantly improve the level of care and the quality of life for diabetic people in Guinea. At the end of the project the 3 regional hospitals are expected to provide comprehensive care for diabetic people. The quality of care is expected to rise in the project area and consequently people with diabetes will be more secure for the future, and more aware of diabetes. The awareness of diabetes will be increased among policy makers and within the community at large. All the expected results will strengthen the health system and give a good example to be replicated in other parts of the country. Finally, there is a synergy with previous and on-going activities in Guinea funded by the WDF.
Referral National Service in Donka strengthened3 Diabetes Unit in regional hospital strengthened6 diabetes clinic created in districts hospitals and 5 health centres strengthened 35 doctors and nurses from 3 regional Hospital trained in advanced diabetes management 30 HCPs from six districts hospitals trained in basic diabetes management 180 HCPs from health centres in six districts trained in recognition of diabetes5,188 screened for diabetes6,811 patients received enhanced diabetes care and 3,405 patients enhanced foot care