Organisations Partner to Mark World Diabetes Day, Seek Govts’ Intervention

A non-government organisation, Health Matters Incorporated, has teamed-up with local and international partners to raise awareness around diabetes care and prevention in commemoration of 2023 World Diabetes Day.

This is with the intention to prevent avoidable deaths due to diabetes and other related ailments, as well ease access to healthcare in the country.

Speaking at an event to mark the occasion in Shomolu community of Lagos, recently, Executive Director/Founder of Health Matters Incorporated, Peter Ujomu, emphasised constant grassroots and community engagements for effective awareness efforts, stating that many have died of the disease due to ignorance.

The event gathered market women, community leaders, religious leaders, students and artisans, among others who were enlightened on the ailment, including the care, prevention, care and allergies.

There was also a walk around Shomolu environs and market to intensify awareness in the community.

On the theme of the day, ‘Access to Diabetes Care’, Ujomu lamented Nigeria’s lackadaisical attitude to health, as further triggered by poor awareness and insensitivity of the national government.

He encouraged the government to partner and extend support to relevant NGOs to be able to reach out to as many as possible and ease access to healthcare early enough to avert emergencies.

 He said, “With the support of our partners, Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation (HSDF), we are participating in this world wide campaign sponsored by World Diabetes Foundation to create awareness around diabetes and also refer cases to 50 primary health centres that have mapped out across the state.”

Speaking further, Senior Analyst at HSDF identified funding and prioritisation within the family unit as factors dragging access to healthcare, urging all to explore health insurance packages.

“Lagos which happens to be one of our partners for this programme is taking the lead in this regard with its ‘Ilera Eko’ Health insurance scheme which offers affordable and flexible packages for healthcare accessibility. You don’t have to wait till you are down before attending to your healthcare. Make regular checkups a priority,” he advised.

 On his part, a Dietician, Dr. Peter Ikujunu, cautioned diabetes patients and Nigerians generally to desist from consulting the Internet for information on diabetes care and precautions, stressing that most Internet information is not scientifically proven.