By Chibuzo Ihegboro
The Lions Club International District 404A1 Nigeria and the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) is set to offer free screening on Diabetes Mellitus in 20 locations in the country, as well train health care service providers in the efficient delivery of health services to persons with the ailment.
The training and screening is expected to hold between October 28 and November 14, 2019, at selected health centres in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo and Delta states.
According to a statement by the Chairperson of Public Relations and Lion Information, Felicia Obilo, the events are all parts of the activities lined up for the new fiscal year if the club.
She said, “Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic endocrine and metabolic disease whose prevalence rate continues to be on the rise globally for most African countries.
“It is said that although the incident rate of diabetes is not known in Nigeria,10 percent of Nigeria’s population are estimated to have the illness.
“It is also believed that one in every two persons that have got diabetes are unaware of their status, which also snowballs into other preventable health challenges.
“The Lions club International district 404A1 Nigeria, with support from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and as part of its activities for the current fiscal year, implement its robust plan to tackle the scourge of Diabetes Mellitus. On Wednesday October 30, 2019 and on Thursday October 31, 2019 at least 220 Primary Healthcare workers from 20 Primary Healthcare Centres in the five states of the district shall undergo a rigorous training programme on diabetes care organised by Lions Clubs International, District 404A1.
“The objective of the training is to make the staff better able to operate according to the World Health organisation (WHO) standards for non-communicable diseases.
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“On November 13, 2019 there shall be road shows simultaneously in 20 locations during which the club hopes to create additional awareness for an estimated 250,000 people.
“The following day, November 14, 2019, the club shall carry out screening, testing & counselling exercises for at least 10,000 people in 20 Primary Healthcare Centres.
“The following organizations are also providing support: Diabetes Association of Nigeria, National Primary Healthcare Dev. Agency, Talabi Diabetes Centre, PAAS Diagnostics Limited, New Heights Pharmaceuticals, Biofem Medical Devices, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo & Delta states Primary Healthcare Boards/Development Agencies. 100 blood glucose meters shall be donated to identified diabetics and the PHC’s.”