The Maravi Post

LILONGWE--Communities will be mobilized in the campaign to prevent diabetes, one of the few known silent killers in Malawi due to continued drug stock-outs, Journalists Association Against AIDS (JournAIDS) has said.

“Realizing that diabetes kills a lot of people in Malawi due to their limited knowledge of the disease, we have decided to roll out a campaign towards meaningful community participation. Diabetes prevention is a must,” says Dingaan Mithi, JournAIDS' programme manager.

He said his organisation is implementing the diabetes prevention project “Enhanced support to primary diabetes prevention” to engage patients, local communities, traditional leaders, government and development partners.

"The continued drug stock-outs in health facilities is making treatment to be extremely difficult for patients. We have documented numerous challenges faced by diabetic patients in various communities across the country with a view of helping find lasting solutions."

Diabetes is among those described as Least Communicable Diseases (LCDs) that kill thousands of Malawians due to low levels of risk awareness.

The first campaign event will take place on 28th July at Kalambo Primary School Grounds in the capital city, Lilongwe's Area 25 around Nsungwi market community.

JournAIDS is collaborating with the Ministry of Health; the Diabetes Association of Malawi; and the College of Medicine supported by the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) of Denmark.
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©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.