Promote early prevention and better management of diabetes complications, Georgia

Objectives

To implement a comprehensive diabetes and diabetes retinopathy care project in six regions of Georgia, under the framework of the WDF and LCIF Memorandum of Understanding.

Objectives:

Develop a National Diabetes Registry in Georgia
Provide practical assistance to patients with diabetic retinopathy living in six regions of Georgia to reduce the number of patients with partial and full vision loss through prevention, early detection, qualified treatment and awareness raising.
Train ophthalmologists, endocrinologists and GPs in modern approaches to diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Strengthen organisational capacity of diabetes patient organisations/patient support groups in targeted areas to achieve their long-term sustainability (improve their technical, advocacy, fundraising skills, and organisational resources).
Conduct 30 advocacy & media campaigns aimed at early prevention and better management of diabetic complications as well as raising public awareness on these issues.

Approach

Prepare project by:

Gathering information and sensitising stakeholders on the National Diabetes Registry
Collaborating with AECP on preparation of DR training materials
Developing IEC materials
Conducting advocacy and mobilisation of stakeholders at all levels.
Developing and rolling out a diabetes registry based on international / regional best practice in collaboration with the NCDC and integrated into the existing HMIS.
Improve access to care for patients with DR in six regions of Georgia (regular screening, referral and patient education) through:
Capacity building of HCPs (ophthalmologists and endocrinologists as ToTs, PHC doctors and nurses in basic diabetes care and with special focus on DR),
Establishing two DR hubs and regional diabetic eye clinics that are integrated into medical facilities already providing diabetes basic care and diabetes foot care (through WDF14-923). Providing DR equipment (smartphone-based devices)
Deploying a fully equipped mobile eye care unit to serve vulnerable population in remote areas (eye screening; referral for treatment if required)
Annual screening / awareness raising events in targeted regions
Strengthening diabetes patients’ groups in self-management and outreach activities for most vulnerable groups.
Conducting media campaigns for public awareness and advocacy meetings for increased political attention.
Conducting routine monitoring; using data collected for operational research and a mid-term and final evaluation by external team.

Results at completion

National Diabetes Registry developed and embedded within the national health information system.
10 diabetes eye rooms established in 6 regions
15 specialists (ophthalmologists and endocrinologists) trained as ToT;
329 HCPs (doctors and nurses) at primary level trained in diabetes care with special focus on DR.
Representatives from 103 patient organisations/support groups trained in self-management of diabetes, advocacy, fundraising and outreach to vulnerable groups.
8,776 patients screened for eye problems
6,048 persons screened for diabetes in target regions;
55,000 people reached through awareness activities;
36,000 people reached through media campaign.
2 online round table meetings with local stakeholders and 3 online conferences conducted.