Out of the 32 million people living with diabetes in India, it is estimated that at least half of them go un-diagnosed and are unaware of the disease, its prevention and potential complications.Over the past two decades, R.R. Lions Eye Hospital has experienced an alarming increase in diabetes among those attending their health camps. To address this problem, the Hospital proposed including diabetes awareness as a standard element in the camps.Through various awareness activities and training of health care personnel, R.R. Lions Eye Hospital seeks to reach out to the 10 million inhabitants in Andhra Pradesh, offering diabetes information, training and screening.The project aims to create awareness about diabetes and its complications among the general public and healthcare professionals.
The project targets the general public and a variety of healthcare personnel. R.R. Lions Eye Hospital manages the project, but implementation draws upon an extensive network of local NGOs, associations, private companies and educational institutions.Public awareness of diabetes, its prevention and complications will be raised through activities. These include press meetings, lectures at public gatherings, T.V. and radio shows, educational materials distribution, posters display, and street plays.In addition, a total of 1250 diabetes screening camps will be conducted. This will be done in partnership with local NGOs. The healthcare personnel targeted by the project include general practitioners, diabetologists, medical officers, nurses, dieticians and diabetes educators. Seminars and workshops will be held for these groups, and educational materials will be distributed. Pre- and post-intervention knowledge, attitude and practice tests will be performed.
• 6,379 healthcare personnel will be trained in diabetes prevention, diagnosis and care• 2,21,496 people were screened for diabetes• 24,781 people with diabetes were identified, counselled, referred and treated• More than 2 million people were reached through awareness activities.