Uganda will on Monday 14th November, join the global Diabetes community to commemorate World Diabetes Day that falls on the same day every year mainly to raise awareness about diabetes and its dangers.
This year, the day will be marked under the theme “Eyes on Diabetes” to emphasize the fact that we must focus on Diabetes as its prevalence is increasing at unprecedented levels and therefore screening of diabetes and its complications must be emphasized.
The National celebrations on Monday 14th November will be held at Jinja Hospital playground Jinja district.
Addressing the media at the ministry of health head offices in Kampala, Minister Jane Ruth Aceng said World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that NCDs are responsible for 63% of deaths worldwide and 80% of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries such as Uganda.
She added that globally, 415 million people were estimated to be leaving with diabetes in 2015 and this number is expected to increase to 640 million by 2040.
“In Uganda, the national NCDs study estimates the prevalence of diabetes at 1.3%. This translates to over 500,000 Ugandans living with diabetes. Unfortunately about 80% of Ugandans living with Diabetes are not aware that they have it. These will present later with difficult to manage complications including blindness, kidney failure, stroke and even impotence. We must therefore up our awareness campaign efforts to prevent suffering and premature death” Aceng explained.
The risk factors for Non Communicable diseases are: Tobacco Use, Physical Inactivity, Unhealthy diets and Harmful use of alcohol.
“So in honor of the day, the Ministry of Health and partners have organized a number of events to commemorate the day; These are; Free Diabetes screening and education in Jinja Hospital and all Health Centre IVs in Jinja District from Monday 14 November to Friday 18 November, 2016, Health workers’ education conference that will be held on Friday 11 November at Jinja Hospital, Patients’ symposium will be held on 12 November at Jinja Hospital where patients will discuss their issues guided by their doctors, and Finally, the commemoration event will take place at the Jinja Hospital Playground in Jinja District. During the event, diabetes screening and education services will also be provided.”
She appealed to the public to Avoid harmful use of alcohol and tobacco, Eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and foods rich in fiber, Reduce the intake of salts and sugars in foods and beverages, Go for regular exercises, Go for regular screening and checkups to detect the diseases early before complications set in order to prevent diabetes in their communities.
