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, Health Matters Incorporated, Peter Ujomu emphasized constant grassroot and community engagements for effective awareness efforts, stating that many had 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 national government.
He encouraged government to partner and extend support to relevant NGOs as to be able to reach out to as many as possible and ease access to healthcare early enough to avert emergencies.
Ujomu said: “With the support of our partners, Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation (HSDF), we are participating in this worldwide campaign sponsored by World Diabetes Foundation to create awareness around diabetes and also refer cases to 50 primary health centres that were mapped out across the state”.
Speaking further, Senior Analyst at HSDF identified funding and prioritisation within family unit as factors dragging access to healthcare, urging all to explore health insurance package.
“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 package for healthcare accessibility. You don’t have to wait till you are down before attending to your healthcare. Make regular checkup a priority”, he advised.
On his part, a dietician, Dr Peter Ikujunu, cautioned diabetes patients and Nigerians generally to desist from consulting Internet for information on diabetes care and precautions, stressing that most Internet information was not scientifically proven.
