This month, the Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development will host World Diabetes Day in Soshanguve block X, Tshwane on 13 November 2009 from 11h00. The day is commemorated worldwide on 14 November. The theme for 2009 to 2013 is ‘Diabetes Prevention and Education’ and the campaign slogan is: “Understand diabetes and take control”.
The purpose of the event is to create awareness of diabetes, which is a genetic and lifestyle disease. The aim is also to encourage people to test so they can be educated on how to manage or prevent the illness.
In recent years World Diabetes Day has focused on complications of diabetes such as cardiovascular disease, eye disease and kidney disease. This year, the department’s messages for this campaign are: eat healthily, exercise, maintain normal weight, have knowledge of diabetic risks and warning signs, do no smoke and the reduce alcohol intake. This will help one avoid; type two diabetes.
In Gauteng, 549 353 patients are seen at public health facilities for follow-up visits and 15 362 patients were put on treatment this year. It should also be noted that many people are unaware of their condition so in reality, this number is higher. To assist these patients, services are available at all health facilities. Support groups have been established in all sub-districts and queues to collect chronic medication have been made shorter by the introduction of Kgatelopele programme which sees these medications delivered to patients’ homes.
In addition to the talks by experts on the illness, there will also be series of activities during this day which include (MEC’s surprise visits to health facilities in the area), screening people for blood glucose, foot care and foot at risk, eyes, weight and blood pressure, oral and dental health. Officials from South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and Home Affairs will also be available to assist the community with applications for birth certificates and social grants.
Enquiries:
Phumelele Kaunda
Tel: 011 355 3268
Fax: 011 838 3613
Cell: 082 334 9851
E-mail: phumelele.kaunda@gauteng.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health, Gauteng Provincial Government
10 November 2009
