About 75 % adults with diabetes in Togo are not aware that they are affected. Through creating awareness of diabetes and educating health professionals, the consequences of the disease are expected to decrease substantially.At least 50 % of the population, in the targeted areas, will be made aware of diabetes. This creates a further need for trained health professionals. Training of 20 doctors, 48 nurses and 32 midwives will take place in the project.
In order to secure a substantial workforce within diabetes, trainers and health professionals shall be identified and applied to training workshops. The education of trainers and health professionals is done according to material published by the IDF with support from WDF. Besides health professionals, the education of trainers will increase the sustainability of the initiative and hopefully ease the consequences of diabetes for the affected.The awareness campaigns will apply diabetes screenings for those at risk which include pregnancy, elderly and overweight people. The campaigns will be held twice a year, the second being on world diabetes day. During this day, screenings will be free of charge, which should secure a larger number of participants. It is expected that 41,400 people will have been screened in the three districts during a three year period.To the extent of creating awareness about diabetes and its risk factors, 36 broadcasts on national radio will be organised. Furthermore direct awareness sessions will be held at medico-social centres and hospitals in the three regions. Because of the very high poverty level of Togo, the population has very limited access to information regarding diabetes. The campaigns are aspiring to reduce this problem through the mentioned campaigns and a substantial number of flyers (40,000) and posters (2,000).
• 30,096 people screened for diabetes• More than 700,000 peoples reached through awareness and screening campaigns• 100 health professionals (20 doctors, 48 nurses and 32 midwives) trained in diabetes care.• 10 health professionals (5 doctors, 3 nurses and 2 midwives) trained to train HCPs in diabetes care.• 17 new diabetes clubs established for follow-up care