Diabetes Association of Nigeria - Serving the Diabetic Community of Nigeria

LAGOS STATE HEALTH EMBARKS ON PROGRAMME TO TACKLE GROWING INCIDENCE OF DIABETES AND ATTENDANT PROBLEMS WITH EYES AND HYPERTENSION

Over 20,000 (Twenty thousand) residents of Lagos State Nigeria participated in the state’s massive health program campaign recently organized by the state government.

On the 7th January 2004, the Lagos State Government embarked on the campaign to mark the beginning of the New Year. The exercise involved the Directorate of Rural Health in conjunction with the Diabetes Association of Nigeria and the Blindness Prevention Unit of the State Ministry of Health.

Aim:
To reduce to the minimum and possibly eradicate the incidence of diabetes, hypertension and related eye problems in the state.

The free public screening was preceded with a general public health talk on causes of diabetes and hypertension that result in eye problems and preventive and curative measures. According to one of the resource people, MR. DEBO MAGBAGBEOLA who is the national secretary and the chairman of DAN, Lagos State Branch, diabetes mellitus is now in the upsurge as about 10 million Nigerians have developed the condition. 50% of this figure is conservatively located in Lagos state because of its high-density population and the people’s lifestyles.

In attendance were: Lagos State Governor - ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU; Deputy Governor - CHIEF FEMI PEDRO; OBA of Lagos - HRH OBA RILWAN AKIOLU; Lagos State Commissioner for Health - DR. LEKE PITAN; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health - DR. JIDE IDRIS; and Commissioner for Information – MR. DELE ALAKE, who directed the event. The palace high chiefs were also in attendance.

The program was concluded on Monday, 12th of January 2004.

Highlight:
Of the 20,000 people screened, about 99.5% were given free eyeglasses by the state government.

Some people were diagnosed for the first time with diabetes or hypertension and were referred to the state hospital for further treatment.

Resource people:

Follow up:
Another exercise is scheduled to be held in the next few weeks in Epe Town, a riverine settlement in the state, while plans are in top gear to reach all other local government areas in the next six months.

Report complied by
MR. DEBO MAGBAGBEOLA
Chairman, DAN Lagos State Chapter and National Secretary.

NATIONAL EXCO/SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE MEETING

WORLD DIABETES DAY - 14th November 2003

DAN Events and Activities

Nov. 8th - Press Briefing at the Pharmacy Hall, Lagos University Teaching Hospital from 10am

Nov 12th - Free diabetes and kidney screening at L.S.D.P.C complex, Ilupeju, from 10am

Nov. 14th (WORLD DIABETES DAY) - Symposium on diabetes and kidney at Rotary Hall, Gbagada General Hospital, from 10am.

Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) has concluded arrangement to make available a brand of Glibenclamide at reduced rate.

Speaking on the deal brokered between the association and one of the top pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria, Nigerian-German Chemicals PLC, Mr. Debo Magbagbeola, the Chairman of DAN, South West Zone, pointed out that “life will become easier for diabetics in Nigeria as Nigerian-German Chemicals has come to our aid.

“Over the years, we have been crying over the cost of maintaining ourselves, but with this deal, we can now buy Glanil at reduced prices.”

Continuing, Mr. Magbagbeola pointed out that aside from this, NGC Plc has also made available to all diabetic patients services of trained personnel that will answer their questions 24 hours daily.

To enjoy this deal, Mr. Magbagbeola hinted that the only requirement is to be a registered card carrying member of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria.