GIDEON TUMWIJUKYE
Kabale District is set to host the 2024 World Diabetes Day this Thursday, as announced today by Kabale Municipality Member of Parliament Dr. Nicholas Kamara, who is also the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Forum on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD). He announced during a press conference held at Kirigime Guest House in Southern Division, Kabale Municipality.
Dr. Kamara emphasized the importance of hosting World Diabetes Day, highlighting the need to raise awareness about diabetes and advocate for increased government and donor resources to support people living with non-communicable diseases. He pointed out that diabetes contributes significantly to poverty in families due to the high cost of medication. Dr. Kamara also mentioned that 60% of people over the age of 40 are affected by noncommunicable diseases.
Kabale District Health Educator, Alfred Besigensi, noted that the district recorded 26,916 diabetes patients last year, with 19 succumbing to the disease. He stressed that these figures only account for individuals who visited health facilities. Besigensi urged the public to prioritize early diabetes screening for better disease management.
To mark World Diabetes Day, Dr. Geofrey Anguyo from KIHEFO will be offering free diabetes check-ups for one week to raise public awareness about diabetic health.
