The World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14. It is celebrated worldwide by the over 200 member associations of the International Diabetes Federation in more than 160 countries and territories, all Member States of the United Nations, as well as by other associations and organizations, companies, healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes and their families. As part of our lined up activities for the year.
Health Matters Incorporated joined over 150 countries and organizations around the world to celebrate the 2018 World Diabetes Day/Global Diabetes Walk by organizing a walk on Friday 14th November 2018 in Makoko and Ilaje communities in Lagos state. The walk was aimed at creating mass awareness about the disease among the populace and school children.
ACTIVITIES
THE WALK
The activity commenced at 8.30am with a health talk on type 2 diabetes for secondary school students in Makoko. They were encouraged to prevent type 2 diabetes by adapting healthy life styles through eating right diet, regular exercise and checking of their glucose level which will go a long way in reducing the cases of diabetes in our society.
This was followed by a boat regatta which went on the water through the water community. Information materials on diabetes were handed out to community members. Participants had an exciting walk coupled with drumming; singing and dancing by the band boys as participates took steps to prevent diabetes.
HEALTH SCREENING:
There was free health screening for all those who participated in the walk, ranging from DM screening, Rapid Body Mass index and blood pressure checks.
The Walk recorded successes; there was large turnout, educational materials were distributed on diabetes awareness and prevention. Persons with high blood sugar were referred to appropriate facilities for further checks and follow up.
Health Matters Inc. 