December 1, 2015
Moldova
For the third time already, Moldova joined events organized in connection with World Diabetes Day, which takes place on the 14th of November every year. Although diabetes is a disease that can be successfully prevented by a healthy lifestyle, there are, according to official sources, at least 80 thousand people suffering from the disease in Moldova. Indeed, it is likely that many cases still remain undetected.
Whereas 15 years ago there were 156 endocrinologists working in Moldova, today there are only 36 remaining. Because of this, since 2013 Caritas CR and Home Care Association have been supporting activities focused on training medical staff and raising awareness of the risks of diabetes, methods of prevention and treatment.
An extensive campaign took place in Chisinau and five other southern Moldovan districts (Cahul, Cantemir, Hincesti, Cimislia, Leova) between the 12th and 17th of November. The aim of the campaign was to draw public attention to the disease. During this week, those who were interested were able to have their glucose levels measured and discuss their results with experts. A total number of 20, 590 people were examined by nurses and students of medical schools. Unfortunately, the test results showed that 40% of all those who underwent the test had high or very high blood sugar levels.
Through public presentations, debates and the provision of informative materials, people who attended the events had the opportunity to learn about the symptoms of diabetes, methods of diagnosis and how to prevent chronic, severe and late complications that can result from the condition. They were also made aware of the different types of medication available, home care methods and the importance of a healthy diet. Attention was also paid to the issue of children or pregnant women suffering from diabetes.
More than 500 volunteers from the HomeCare association, the National College of Medicine and the pharmacy Raisa Pacalo helped to prepare a large-scale information campaign. Billboards, leaflets and brochures were distributed to “diabetes schools” within hospitals, parks, shops, bus shelters, bakeries, pharmacies and offices. In doing so, the campaign was able to reach up to 40, 000 people.
Additionally, radio interviews on the “Pill of Health” show (Pastila de Sanatate) with people involved in the events also helped to reach this number. The HomeCare association also organized an opening ceremony at which members of parliament, the Ministry of Health, the city council, medical facilities and members from the academic and non-profit sector were present.
The World Diabetes Day events were a major success thanks to cooperation between the local Ministry of Health departments, international organizations, national non-profit organizations, pharmacies, churches and educational institutions.
Caritas CR has already trained 508 nurses and 279 doctors from five southern Moldovan districts under the programme ‘Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes in Moldova’. In addition to this, health centres from Chisinau, Cahul, Cantemir, Hincesti, Cimislia and Leova received 200 glucometers for local diabetes patients in 2015.
The project was supported by the Czech Development Agency and Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Programme of International Development Cooperation of the Czech Republic.
