The war on Diabetes scaled down in Malawi due to lack of practical knowledge and commitment in the hospitals by the nurses in management of the diabetic patients. This was disclosed at the review meeting organized by Journal Aid to map the way forward in fighting against diabetes on 27 February, 2015 at Bridge view Hotel in Lilongwe.
Diabetes Heath Educator nurse volunteer at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) Mrs. Olive Kadzakumanja told the meeting that the exercise of drawing constructive measures in reducing cases of diabetes remains the big problem. Despite the fact that it can be easily prevented, diabetes continues to be one of the leading killers of both children and adults. There are numerous factors that lead Malawi to bear an overwhelming proportion of the diabetes burden. “It is important to know and understand two stages of diabetes to overcome the deadly disease: stage 1 attack the children while stage is common in old aged 40 and above and it can only be diagnosed after medical test. Diabetes is directly connected to eye sight problems and poor diet is but least,” said Kadzakumanja.
World Development Fund (WFD) representative Jacob asks the Ministry of Health to join hands with other stakeholders like Civil Society Organization in ant-diabetes fight, in order to combat the disease. “The negative impact on development, diabetes like other killer diseases, it results in loss of life and loss of productivity as a result of illness. It is sad that many people continue to die from diabetes because of inaccessibility of drugs and the absence of preventative measures which are working wonders in other countries where diabetes is prevalent,” he said.
Chairlady of Kawale community clubs Mrs. Milliam Ladi, a patient and victim of diabetes complained that many Malawian are dying in silence because insufficient of information on the matter. She urged the general public to go for medical checkup for a health living. The Diabetes Association of Malawi appreciates the effort of the government since it was formed in 2007. The association calls on government to allocate some percentages in diabetes when budgeting for other sectors.
