Citizen Outreach Coalition Sierra Leone (COC-SL) has for the second year running, organised a diabetes awareness and prevention campaign near the suburbs of the Sierra Leone Capital Freetown. Dozens of people in Calaba Town located in the outskirts of the capital Freetown, were screened for diabetes in an effort to identify possible patients so that could help reduce incidences of the disease. Diabetes can lead to complications like stroke, heart failure and also increases chances of sufferers getting high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when a persons’ body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it properly. There are two types; type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
On world diabetes day (November 14 2024) COC-SL provided free diabetes screenings as statistics from the health Ministry of Sierra Leone, the small and poor West African state indicates there is limited access to healthcare and insulin is limited for most of its population.
15 trained COC-SL Volunteers checked the blood sugar levels of people using a glucometer-a small handheld machine used to measure how much glucose ( a type of sugar) is in the blood. Participants also had their blood pressure readings and measured their weights using scales. The screenings took place at the Ahmadiya Muslim Hospital in Calabatown. During the campaign, COC volunteers advised people on diabetes prevention and management. People learnt about simple measures to prevent getting diabetes like maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthily including fruits, being physically active, quitting smoking, getting at least eight hours of sleep each night and reducing alcohol consumption.
People who admitted they already had diabetes were advised to also eat healthily, be physically active, continue monitoring their blood sugar levels, take their medication religiously, stop smoking and learn to manage any stress related problems adequately
Some of the results from the blood sugar during the screening were alarming. Many of the people screened were found to have elevated blood sugar levels and were referred for further testing and treatment.
The event was well-received by the community, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about diabetes and take control of their health.
Continuing Diabetes Monitoring after Awareness day
After the November 14 2024 awareness campaign, COC-SL followed up 40 participants for six more weeks to ensure continuity and monitoring.
A total of 200 men and women were screened for diabetes with 50 of them found to have elevated blood sugar levels. All those with elevated blood sugar levels were referred to the Ahmadiya hospital for treatment. At the end of the six weeks, 40 % of the regular attendees were recorded as having lost some weight, improved their health and energy levels because they were now exercising regularly and eating healthily.
Data Collected.
A majority of participants said they were partly to blame for contracting type 2 diabetes or being diagnosed with pre-diabetes because they admitted consuming excessive sugar, sweet drinks and carbohydrates.
A collection of Data from the screening has enabled COC-SL to break down the risk of diabetes by age, tribes, lifestyles, food, people buying medication on the street . etc
Participants were able to monitor their blood pressure, their glucose levels and their weights for 6 weeks during 1-1 interactions with the nurses and volunteers.
Most of those screened expressed their gratitude to COC-SL for the screening. Diabetes patient Pah Conteh 55, thanked COC-SL for , “…your help and support I now have a better understanding about my diabetes”. Mallam Osman Kamara who worked as a volunteer on the project said “…my phone hasn’t stopped since the project started. People are calling my phone everyday asking for support and wanting to know if we give medication and food supplies
It cost COC-SL £5 for each person to carry out the blood glucose testing, weight checks and blood pressure checks and BP checks. Sadly, the project ended due to funding shortage and will continue when the organisation gets more funding.
Another screening has been planned in November 2025 to commemorate World diabetes day.
The disease affects millions of people worldwide. The most vulnerable people the disease affects are people on low-incomes, black populations and people with limited or no access to healthcare
