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World Diabetes Day: NGO conducts free diabetes screening for Nasarawa residents
By Esther Akaa, Lafia
Ahmed Bola Oduleye Charity (ABOC) Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Thursday carried out free diabetes screening exercise for residents in Nasarawa State to mark the 2024 World Diabetes Day.
The foundation also sensitised the people on the preventive measures of the disease, urging them to engage in regular exercise to prevent the disease.
Speaking during on Thursday in Nassarawa-Eggon during the exercise, Chief Executive Officer ( CEO) of the foundation, Mr Ahmed Oduleye explained that the organisation would conduct free diabetes test for no fewer than 300 persons as part of activities to mark the day.
The CEO emphasised that anyone over 40 should reduce their carbohydrate intake, abstain from alcohol, and lead a sedentary lifestyle in order to prevent diabetes.
He said that the sensitisation and free testing was geared towards educating the people with the right information on the dangers associated with diabetes and how to prevent it.
On his part, the leader of the medical team, Dr Caleb Ogaku, said the World Health Organisation (WHO) had put the number of people currently living with diabetes undiagnosed at 573 million globally, saying that the figure would be doubled by 2030.
Ogaku identified the symptoms of diabetes to include, frequent urination, weight loss, weakness, constant feeling of thirst amongst others.
“Diabetes, if not detected early and managed properly, can degenerate into serious health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke and even death,” he said.
He encouraged people, especially adults to engage in regular exercises and maintain healthy eating habits by cutting down on carbohydrate and abstaining from school.
“Diabetes, even though life-threatening, can be managed and the life of the patient be prolonged with the right information and lifestyle change,” he said.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler in the area, the Aren Eggon, Retired Justice Ahmed Ubangari-Alaku, thanked the NGO for the exercise considering the increase in cases of diabetes.
He urged his subjects to take advantage of the opportunity to know their status and as well engage in regular exercises as preventive measures.
Earlier, the Programme Officer of ABOC Foundation, Kefayat Olarewaju said the awareness campaign was crucial, especially in rural community, where access to healthcare and education could be challenging.
“Today, we focus on the importance of access to diabetes care. We recognise that diabetes affects not only individuals but also families, communities, and our entire healthcare system.
“We acknowledge the prevalence of diabetes in our community. Many of us have family members, friends, or neighbours living with diabetes.
“We also recognise the challenges faced in managing this condition, from limited access to healthcare services to affordability and awareness,”she said.
She said the foundation in addition to providing free diabetes screening and testing, was dedicated to enhancing diabetes care in local communities by providing sensitisation programmes on diabetes prevention and management.
