As Guyana joins the world in observing November as International Diabetes Month, the Public Health Ministry on Saturday last hosted a health outreach at the Stabroek Square in Georgetown.
Along with the Lions Club, the Guyana Diabetic Association as well as the New GPC Inc, PAHO, and the Young Leaders in Diabetes participated in the event, providing various medical services to the public.
Blood glucose testing was provided; along with eye testing, VIA screening, dental care, HIV testing, and sexual education. Among other services offered were rehabilitation, mental health, and blood pressure testing.
Persons were also provided with a wealth of information on the steps to a healthier life.
President of the Guyana Diabetic Association, Glenniss Beaton, applauded the event and noted that the turnout was excellent.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Lions Club of Bel Air Diabetes Clinic, Candace Ford, claimed the initiative as the brainchild of the club, and sought to encourage the Health Ministry and other organisations to come on board to help spread awareness of the disease.
Ford declared herself very satisfied with the results of the outreach.
Additionally, the New GPC Inc representative Elizabeth Ram said the pharmaceutical company was happy to be part of the initiative. She added that the company had already participated in the Diabetes Awareness Walk hosted earlier this month, but still wanted to do more to reach out to the public.
Also, on Saturday, representatives from various health institutions, associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) assembled at the Square of the Revolution to participate in a health walk to promote awareness of diabetes throughout Georgetown.
Coordinator of the Guyana Diabetic Care Project, Brian Ostrow, lauded the initiative and explained that the way to solve diabetes is through public awareness and through changing the people’s behavioural lifestyle. That is the key, he said, and that’s the only way that this pandemic can be controlled.
