Buhle Mhlaulo
Gweru City Council recently commemorated World Diabetes Day raising awareness about the condition that affects millions worldwide.
Speaking during the commemoration Doctor David Lubaho said, “this is another year for the celebration of a great day where we remember and recognize issues of diabetes”.
Doctor Lubaho highlighted the need for clear statistics on diabetes cases and deaths in Zimbabwe.
“It’s unfortunately that the statistics are not very clear to know how many people made a call last year, to ask if that kind of thing is included in the census so we know how many people died with diabetes in our country, the general view in a community partnered funerals in a particular community,” he said.
Talking about diabetes is personal and indeed diabetes is commended.
This occasion is a demonstration of clearly passionate concern for the general population of Gweru City.
Minister of State and Provincial Affairs Owen Mudha Ncube said “world diabetes day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes and the critical global health public health and emphasize individual actions needed”.
The event was held under the theme “Diabetes and Well-being Making Barriers to Living Gaps.”
It aimed to raise awareness about diabetes, promote individual actions, and emphasize the need for improved diagnosis and management.
Minister Ncube said “Diabetes is a major cause of kidney failure, blindness, heart attack, five hundred and thirty-seven million people are living with diabetes today.
It is projected that by 2045 seven hundred million people will have disease, so what is means we need to take care of our health we need to exercise regularly.
According to the World Day 2021, its relevance of diabetes in Zimbabwe stands at 2.1 percent for the 20 to 70 years age group and world ranking” he said.
Minister Ncube said “2020 latest data published it shows that diabetes death in Zimbabwe reached 3344 and is now the leading death in Zimbabwe.
Gweru Mayor Councilor Martin Chivhoko reaffirmed the council’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare services to all residences.
My council is committed to providing accessible and affordable healthcare services to all residents.
Our healthcare workers are trained to provide quality care and support those who have diabetes, my council is offering free screening.
Mayor Chivhoko announced that the council is offering free screening for diabetes, underscoring the importance of early detection and management.
In relation, Zimbabwe has made significant strides in improving diabetes care.
The introduction of continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems and insulin pumps has revolutionized diabetes management in the country.
