To scale up diabetes and hypertension management in Pujehun and Western Area districts of Sierra Leone.
This project represents a collaborative effort between CUAMM and COMAHS, leveraging upon the support previously received from WDF. It consists of five main activities:1. Implementing the HIP Protocol: The project aims to implement the nationally endorsed protocol for the management of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP), a protocol developed with the support of WDF.2. Strengthening Health Education and Promotion: The project is dedicated to strengthening health education and promotion. This is achieved through the development and distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials in ante- and postnatal clinics, as well as in- and out-patient departments. Radio broadcasts promote a varied diet, healthy lifestyles, and the encouragement of breastfeeding. Additionally, educational community events and health talks are organised, along with cooking demonstrations by field mobilisers and nutritionists at selected health facilities. The project also aims to establish peer-to-peer health promotion groups and strengthen affiliations with the Sierra Leone Diabetes Association, an initiative that began during WDF18-1611.3. Training Community Health Workers: The project focuses on training community health workers (CHWs) on the risk factors for diabetes (DM), hypertension (HT), and HIP. This training facilitates the linkage of CHWs to primary healthcare (PHC) facilities and the mobile outreach team for HIP.4. Enhancing PHC Capacity: To enhance the capacity of PHC facilities to manage HIP, DM, and HT, the project provides necessary equipment and training to healthcare professionals. Specifically, a nurse and midwife in each facility are trained to screen, refer, and manage patients with non-complicated DM, HT, and HIP.5. Developing NCD Data Collection and Analysis Capacity: The project develops the capacity for the collection and analysis of Non-Communicable Diseases data. This involves training and continuous mentoring of two data collectors, assigned and funded by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, to retrieve, ensure quality, and digitise paper-based registries in targeted health facilities.
Decentralisation of DM and HT care to 3 hospitals and 15 PCH facilities, covering a population of 2.1 million (25% of the total population).· 50 nurses, midwives, doctors, and DHMT personnel trained on the national HIP protocol.· 30 nurses and midwives in 15 PHC facilities trained on screening, referral, and management of DM, HT, and HIP.· 50 CHWs trained on risk factors for DM, HT, and HIP.· 64 peer educators (patients and their family members) trained to facilitate peer-to-peer exchanges.· 19,000 pregnant women screened for HIP