ChildFund Donates $25M Medical Supplies for Diabetes Fight
ChildFund Sierra Leone, in partnership with Medicine for All People (MAP), donated $25 million worth of medical supplies to the Ministry of Health on November 14, 2024, coinciding with World Diabetes Day. The donation ceremony, held at the Miatta Conference Centre Car Park, included stakeholders such as Ministry of Health officials, public health partners, and students from the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAS).
The supplies, featuring 45,000 units of Sitagliptin (Januvia), nitrile gloves, hydration solutions, and protective goggles, aim to enhance diabetes management and healthcare safety amidst rising rates of non-communicable diseases in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the importance of tackling diabetes and hypertension, noting their significant impact on public health. He highlighted the relevance of this year’s theme, “Diabetes: Our Wellbeing,” aligning with the Ministry’s agenda of promoting holistic health.
Dr. Santigie Sesay shared concerning statistics, suggesting diabetes affects 2-7% of Sierra Leone’s population, with 30% of recent screenings indicating abnormal blood sugar levels. WHO’s Health Information Officer, Fredson Kuti-George, underscored the global diabetes crisis, forecasting a 129% increase in Africa’s cases by 2045.
ChildFund’s Programs Director, Madam Isatu Venn, expressed gratitude to MAP and reiterated ChildFund’s mission to uplift vulnerable communities. “This is our largest donation yet, showcasing our commitment to public health,” she remarked.
Deputy Health Minister, Professor Charles Senessie, commended ChildFund’s contribution, urging more partners to join in combating diabetes and promoting early detection through free screenings.
The event spotlighted collective efforts to mitigate diabetes’s growing threat, ensuring better healthcare access for Sierra Leoneans.
