Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes many deaths and can be very debilitating, leading to amputations and permanent disabilities. For years and in many countries, HI has worked to prevent the spread of diabetes and support those affected. Today, it is in Saint-Louis, Senegal, that these actions continue.
Preventing and controlling diabetes in Saint-Louis
In 2015 in Saint-Louis, a city located in northern Senegal, the number of people with diabetes was estimated at more than 40,000 out of a total population of approximately 237,500 inhabitants. The progression of the disease is worrying in this region where a statistical study carried out by HI between 2019 and 2022 revealed a prevalence rate of more than 15.95%, compared to 3.4% in other regions of the country. Diabetes is a disease that can cause serious complications, such as vision loss, kidney failure, stroke or amputation. But this is not inevitable: with good care, a healthy diet and regular physical activity, it is entirely possible to be in good health while being diabetic.
This is the objective of the actions that HI has been carrying out in the region since 2019, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Action, the Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis and the Diabetics Association of Saint-Louis. Louis of Senegal. HI intervenes to prevent and stem the outbreak of diabetes in the area by informing populations about risk factors and good practices to adopt, encouraging screening and supporting health professionals for better care.
Thus, between 2019 and 2022, more than 12,500 people were made aware of risk factors and the need to be screened. Furthermore, in 2023 HI’s actions made it possible to train 158 paramedical staff to improve diabetes care and to train 142 community actors to relay information within the population.
Making diabetics healthy people
Cheikh Tidiane Ngom, a 75-year-old father, lives in Saint-Louis with his 14 children. An electrician by trade, he was diagnosed with diabetes in 2019. Since then, his life followed its usual course until this day in 2023 when Cheikh discovered a small wound on his right leg. Apparently harmless, he first tries to treat her himself, but without success. He then decides to go to the hospital to get more appropriate care; but after a few weeks of treatment, the doctor told him terrible news.
“He explained to me that it was a diabetic foot and that the only solution was to amputate the leg. I had no choice but I was desperate, because how could I continue to work to provide for my family? »he says.
After his amputation, Cheikh benefited from the support of HI to obtain a prosthesis manufactured by the Saint-Louis rehabilitation and orthopedic fitting center (CRAO). Accompanied throughout the duration of his care, he receives all the care necessary to get back on his feet.
“You can’t imagine how great my satisfaction was when I received this prosthesis. Now I go to the health center whenever I want and often take trips to visit my friends. I resumed my activities and my situation has clearly improved. Thank God ! »he rejoices.
His experience had a profound impact on Cheikh, who undertook to raise awareness among all his loved ones, advising them to get tested and urging them to respect measures to prevent diabetes and its complications.
The second phase of the “Together against diabetes in Saint-Louis” project runs from March 2023 to March 2026. Its objective is to contribute to the prevention and quality of care for diabetes and the complications linked to it in the two districts of Saint-Louis and Dagana.
