A cross section of the population of Bamenda has taken
part in a commemorative walk as part of activities to mark this year's World
Diabetes Day observed every November 14. Walking a distance of about 2km from
finance Junction via Nkwen market then Ghana Street, Ngen junction and back to finance
as a demonstration of physical exercise as the best option towards diabetes prevention,
the participants carried diabetes prevention sensitisation messages on T-shirt
and handmade caps.
During a short ceremony that ended the walk and the observance,
a message from the Director of CBC Health Services Prof Tih Pius Muffih
explained that away from physical exercises, adopting a healthy lifestyle is
ideal towards preventing diabetes. "it is the responsibility of each and every
one to adopt a healthy lifestyle including improving nutrition, avoiding
alcohol misuse and getting screened." Prof Tih said.
Observed with the theme "Women and Diabetes",
the Director noted that "women and girls are key agents on the adoption of
healthy lifestyles to improve the health and wellbeing of current and future
generations. We must act now, and not postpone necessary actions. Up to 70% of
cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented through lifestyle interventions."
Munshwa Zebulon Koshi president of Diabetes Mbingo
annexe branch lamented on the lack of education for patients and potential
patients and the high cost of drugs as major challenges faced by diabetics.
According to the United Nations, World Diabetes Day comes
up every year to raise awareness on diabetes while promoting prevention and
control activities. Diabetes it should be noted is one of four major
non-communicable diseases, killing at least 1.5million people yearly. With this
year’s event paying attention on women, out of 415million people with diabetes
globally, 199 million are women implying one in ten women are living with
diabetes with many not having access to education, care and treatment.
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