To pilot a system for identification and referral of diabetic complications (retinal and foot) linked to HIV and NCD services.
There are currently limited diabetic retinopathy screening and foot screening services in Eswatini. The incidence of diabetic foot complications is presently unknown; however, diabetes is the leading cause of leg amputations in Eswatini, and leads to great disability, especially for rural people who have no access to assistive devices. Increased coverage, screening and grading quality, and uptake of preventive therapy will lead to fewer disabilities amongst vulnerable diabetic patients. Good Shepherd Hospital Eye Clinic (GSHEC) aims to develop links between community and hospital services by building capacity in each setting and ensuring clear referral pathways, including outreach services to remote communities. By improving diagnostic and treatment capacity through the development of a training system for both retinal camera screening and foot screening, NCD services will be strenghenend with regular screening of patients at the NCD clinics. The project represents a pilot model for a national diabetes/NCD response to establish integrated and comprehensive diabetic retinopathy and foot care services in Eswatini with involvement of the Ministry of Health.
- 63 clinics strengthened in three regions of Eswatini.- 99 nurses, 40 doctors and 62 Rural Health Motivators trained in diabetes screening, counselling and referral, including 7 technicians trained in DR and foot prevention.- 3,352 people screening for foot complications, 242 diagnosed with foot-related problems.- 3,633 people screened for DR and 1,341 diagnosed with DR.- 5 community awareness activities conducted about diabetic retinopathy.