Young Advocates for NCD Prevention commemorate 2019 World Diabetes Day with Fanfare
The CBC Health Services joined the international community to commemorate World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2019. “The Family and Diabetes,” theme of this year’s cerebration, emphasized the importance of raising awareness on the impact that diabetes has on the family and support network of those affected. The theme also promotes the role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education on diabetes.
The Director of CBC Health Services, Prof. Tih Pius Muffih enjoined staff of his organization to take their families to health facilities and get themselves and their eligible family members screened to know their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and to ensure those with established diseases are on treatment with appropriate follow-up. “Our wish is to harness family support to make in-roads in improving health outcomes for persons living with diabetes,” the public health expert emphasized.
Persons living with Diabetes at the NKwen Baptist Health Centre Diabetes and Hypertension Unit took ownership of the day and participated in exciting interactive games such as musical interpretation, aerobic dance, tug-of-war, line picking, hoop game, drama presentation, and a health walk. They also seized the opportunity to request for a reduction in the cost of diabetes medicines.
Young Cameroonians who are currently undergoing training with the CBC Health Services to be advocates for NCD prevention, brought a sparkle to the event with the production of a short film on diabetes titled, “Sweet Blood”. They also composed a song & poems on diabetes which were presented at the CBC Health Services Central Administration during morning devotions. The film was also enacted to the diabetes clients at the Nkwen Baptist Health Centre, Bamenda.
World Diabetes Day has come and gone but diabetes awareness continues! According to International Diabetes Federation, an estimated 232 million people are diagnosed with diabetes globally every year. Knowing your risk is the key to prevention and early diagnosis.