- Call for awareness to reduce scourge
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a concerted effort to confront the escalating diabetes crisis worldwide, the Ahmed Bola Oduleye Charity Foundation (ABOC) in collaboration with the Nasarawa State ministry of information, Culture and Tourism launched a groundbreaking campaign emphasising the criticality of understanding and managing the risks associated with diabetes.
The campaign, unveiled on World Diabetes Day, at Adogi development area of Obi Local Government Area of the state underscores the imperative of early detection and prevention strategies to stave off the onset of diabetes and mitigate its severe health implications.
Program Officer Olanrewaju Kefayat Oyindamola, during the outreach emphasised, “It is our responsibility to ensure that people around the world have the tools and knowledge they need to lead healthier lives and manage diabetes effectively.”
Drawing attention to alarming statistics, Kafayat highlighted that 1 in 10 adults globally is affected by diabetes, with over 90% diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Shockingly, nearly half of those impacted remain undiagnosed, emphasising the urgent need for increased awareness and accessible screenings. She said.
She added that the core mission of the initiative involves advocating for healthier lifestyles, expanding diabetes screenings, and enhancing care for those already living with the condition.
“Today, we must commit to supporting initiatives that promote healthier living, increase access to diabetes screenings, and provide better care for those living with diabetes,” urged Kefayat
Kafayat however call on governments, healthcare professionals, and communities, urging collaborative efforts to combat the burgeoning diabetes epidemic.
“Let us unite in our efforts to combat diabetes on this World Diabetes Day,” concluded” she added.
Expressing his delight, Mr. Ahmed Bola Oduleye, the CEO of the foundation, encouraged community members to actively participate in the testing initiative while extending gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule and the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, acknowledging their pivotal role in facilitating a conducive environment for the program’s success.
Acknowledging the commendable efforts of Sarki Adogi in mobilising his community and disseminating vital information about diabetes, Mr. Oduleye emphasized the criticality of community involvement in spreading awareness and ensuring widespread testing for diabetes.
In a show of government endorsement, TLP Ibrahim Othman Angbolo, commissioner of information, Culture and Tourism, represented by a ministry Director, Mr. Shehu Ibrahim hailed the foundation’s initiative as a pioneering effort in supporting government endeavours to address healthcare challenges. The commissioner highlighted the significance of public-private partnerships in delivering impactful healthcare solutions.
Shehu said the foundation’s contribution in providing essential diabetes medication to individuals who lack the means to acquire them, emphasising the significant support extended to the less privileged through such initiatives.
With a sense of satisfaction, Sarki Adogi, Malam Idris Usman Omaku, conveyed his appreciation to the Governor Nasarawa state Engr. Abdullahi Sule for entrusting him with the leadership of his community.
He emphasised the significance of collaborative efforts in advancing community well-being and expressed contentment in seeing essential healthcare programs being brought to his people.
Highlighting the critical role played by the ABOC Foundation, Sarki Adogi expressed his gratitude for the foundation’s intervention in providing assistance, specifically in tackling diabetes-related healthcare challenges.
He praised the foundation’s dedication in extending vital healthcare services to the community, recognising the substantial relief it has brought to individuals grappling with diabetes and related issues.
Mrs. Esther Waryit Yonah, head of Gender Adolescent school Health Services and Elderly Care, state ministry of Health, expressed her satisfaction with the comprehensive approach taken by the foundation and its collaborative efforts in empowering communities with crucial knowledge and resources for diabetes management.
Daily Sun reports that the convergence of community leaders, government officials, and the ABOC Foundation underscores a unified front against the diabetes epidemic. This concerted effort not only highlights the importance of proactive healthcare strategies but also signifies the impact achievable through collective engagement and partnership in addressing pressing health concerns within communities.
