Government has called for concerted efforts in combating diabetes which is a public health concern and a major cause of premature death among non-communicable diseases in Zambia.
Minister of Health Joseph Kasonde has since urged politicians, traditional leaders and religious leaders to promote healthy behaviours which are critical to preventing non communicable diseases.Dr. Kasonde also cautioned Zambians to be careful with their diet if they are to avoid suffering from diabetes.
He was speaking at Chilenje Clinic today during the commemoration of the World Diabetes Day which was held under the theme ‘Protect Our Future.
Dr. Kasonde disclosed that about 3.3 percent of the Zambian adult population has diabetes adding that the figure is likely to rise as the population grows.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Medical Officer Tackson Lambart called for increased health education on non-communicable diseases such as diabetes.
Diabetics Association of Zambia president Susan Tembo said her association is committed to fighting diabetes.
Dr. Tembo said the association has since trained 150 health workers in diabetes management and control.
Good job. Now follow this up with sensitisation programs in both rural and urban areas and adverts on the natonal tv…Â
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE. THIS IS VERY GOOD INDEED.
KEY to solving non communicable diseases problem is life style change. We have lost our culture, thrown away our indigenous foods, and now busy feasting on the wrong foods which trigers the genes expression for such diseases. One may have an inheritance for such disease but he can silence the gene expresion through life style changes. Lets go back to our indigenous food to avoid these cancers, hipertension and diabetes.
Indeed diabetes treatment in Zambia remains a big challenge. Most Zambian doctors seem unable to diagnose diabetes. I know quite a few people who were being given the wrong treatment for weeks by doctors who could not diagnose diabetes. We need more people trained up. 150 is not enough. Be serious!
Being commited to fighting diabetes and actually fighting diabetes are 2 different things. Let this be done at grass root organizations. People in local communities shoulf Diabetes Associations where they can share information about diet, excercise, and medication to manage diabetes. Alert people to symptoms of diabetes such as constant thirst, frequently urinating, unexplained weight loss. There after a glocose test and A1C test.Our nshima diet is full of carbohydrates. Encourage eating roller meal, plenty of vegetables.
The picture tells volumes. Woman police officer being tested for diabetes with a bottle of Cocacola!!!!! Hi hope it is diet coke!!!