Citiglobe Pharmacy, in partnership with the Health Reporters Network Sierra Leone (HRNSL) and Visit Sierra Leone Travel (VSL Travel), is coming together to combat diabetes by organizing a Walk for Diabetes. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the disease and its prevention.
Diabetes is a serious condition characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood, which can lead to various complications such as heart disease, damage to blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves if left uncontrolled.
Global data indicates a rising prevalence of diabetes among younger populations worldwide, largely due to obesity and unhealthy lifestyle choices. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, with the majority residing in low- and middle-income countries. Alarmingly, 1.5 million deaths are directly linked to diabetes each year, with both the number of cases and prevalence steadily increasing over the years.
In Africa, 24 million individuals are living with diabetes, and shockingly, 13 million of them are unaware of their condition due to lack of diagnosis. WHO predicts that Africa will bear the brunt of the diabetes epidemic globally due to insufficient awareness, education, and political commitment to managing the disease.
A recent study in Sierra Leone revealed an 8.3 percent prevalence of diabetes in the country. World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14th each year, is a global campaign led by the International Diabetes Federation to raise awareness about diabetes. This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” emphasizes the importance of overcoming obstacles in diabetes care.
Dr. Manal Ghazzawi, a public health specialist and Chief Executive of Citiglobe Pharmacy, is the visionary behind this event, which promises to be impactful and informative. The event is slated for Saturday, 16th Nov 2024.
Although World Diabetes Day falls on November 14, this event is scheduled for Saturday November 16 to allow the working-class participation. The event comprises a walk from Congo Cross to Family Kingdom in Aberdeen. Participants are expected to gather at the Congo Cross NP Station at 7:30am And ends at Family Kingdom, Aberdeen.
At Family Kingdom, short statements will be made and voluntary testing for diabetes and high blood pressure will be conducted.
“It is imperative that we, as Sierra Leoneans, acknowledge the profound impact of our dietary choices on our overall health. Embracing a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, should be ingrained in our culture and treated as a fundamental aspect of our daily lives. By doing so, we can not only reduce the risk of developing diabetes but also mitigate the potential complications associated with the disease for those already affected, as well as other prevalent health issues in our society,” said Dr. Ghazzawi.
“As journalists, our contribution to society shouldn’t be limited to just disseminating information. We can also be part of practical events like a walk for health. This is why we feel this walk for diabetes event is very important. I call on journalists, especially members of the Health Reporters Network, to lend their support to this event,” said Kemo Cham, National Coordinator of Health Reporters Network.
