Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe has urged health professionals to intensify efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles among public service workers to curb rising diabetes cases.
Speaking through Kabwe District Commissioner Lennox Shimwambwa during the commemoration of World Diabetes Day, held under the theme “Diabetes and Wellbeing -Diabetes in the Workplaces,” Dr. Mwanakampwe said diabetes is negatively affecting productivity in workplaces across the province and the country.
Dr. Mwanakampwe said health workers must ensure employees receive adequate information on preventing and managing diabetes to safeguard their own lives and those of their families.
“Like all non-communicable diseases, measures to prevent diabetes include behaviour change, healthy lifestyles, tobacco control, alcohol regulation, food policies targeting sugary drinks, processed foods and trans-fats, as well as increased physical activity,” he said.
Dr. Mwanakampwe called on employers to adopt diabetes-friendly workplace policies that support affected workers and promote screening and education services.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving healthcare by providing essential medicines, recruiting qualified health personnel, and constructing modern health facilities.
And Diabetes Association of Zambia representative Rozina Namonje said the high cost of diabetes medication remains a major challenge for affected individuals.
Ms. Namonje also raised concern over workplace stigma.
“Our workplaces are the backbone of the economy, yet many employees living with diabetes quietly face challenges such as the need for regular blood checks, access to specific medications, insulin use, fatigue and stress, all of which employers must consider,” she said.
Clinical Health Care Specialist Victor Kusweje, speaking on behalf of Provincial Health Director Elijah Mutoloki, said stock levels of diabetes drugs and related commodities remain within acceptable levels.
And Kabwe Mayor Patrick Chishala described diabetes as a community challenge that requires intensified awareness campaigns, urging people to exercise regularly and adopt healthy diets.
Kabwe resident Kondwani Ngondwe, who lives with diabetes, appealed for enhanced awareness to promote early detection and management of the disease.
