By Ibrahim Sorie Koroma, Senior Health Education Officer (HEP/MoH)
On the event marking World Diabetes Day, the Ministry of Health, with support from its partners in the past couple of days, conducted free screening services to people in Freetown. This is part of a broader strategy to intensify awareness-raising and prevention on diabetes.
At a special event held in Freetown marking World Diabetes Day on November 14 at the Miatta Conference Center, the Director of the Directorate of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, Dr. Santigie Sesay, said that over the past days, as part of World Diabetes Day activities, they have conducted free diabetes and hypertension screenings across various communities, adding that this initiative was essential for early diagnosis, allowing people to know their health status and make informed decisions.
Dr. Sesay reiterated that the screening exercise has resulted in some interesting outcomes, stating that they were able to screen 430 people, with 104 found to have suspected elevated blood pressure and 30 with elevated blood sugar levels. “Interestingly, about 10 out of those with raised blood sugar never had their blood sugar taken before prior to their screening services,” said Dr. Sesay.
The NCD&MH Director stated that they were able to do the screening in several communities in Freetown because of the hard work of dedicated health workers and volunteers who make the screening sites and services much more accessible to those who could not have otherwise had the opportunity.
While talking on capacity strengthening, Dr. Sesay said that they were currently training healthcare providers across the country to manage diabetes more effectively, diagnose cases early, and provide necessary treatment, stressing that their effort is part of the broader objective to empower local healthcare teams and build sustainable systems for NCD care.
Amidst all challenges, Dr. Sesay was optimistic to continue expanding diabetes care services, promoting preventive measures through collaboration and partnership with both local and international partners, adding that their priority as a directorate includes ensuring a consistent supply of diabetes medications, increasing public awareness, and integrating diabetes care into the primary healthcare system for lasting impact.
