Long considered a prerogative of the West, diabetes has started to spread rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa in recent decades. However, there is still limited awareness of the scope of the problem with few diagnoses and even less treatment, which leads to complications and premature death. Indeed, if left untreated or unmanaged, diabetes can lead to life-changing complications, including blindness, amputation, kidney failure, heart attack and stroke.
Tackling this situation, in Ethiopia, CUAMM and WDF have launched a new project to improve the quality and accessibility of diabetes and hypertension prevention, diagnosis and treatment services in 15 hospitals and 45 health centers. Activities include screening of mothers and neonates, training and capacity building of local health staff, awareness raising campaigns and procurement of the necessary drugs and equipment.
A step forward in the fight against noncommunicable diseases.”
(DWA CUAMM news release)