To foster diabetes-free communities: Global Diabetes Initiatives offers free screening, medication to population.

The events, which took place in Tiko and Douala respectively, were aimed at raising awareness in the community on how to prevent diabetes and also how to easily detect it at the early stage.

In Tiko, the Global Diabetes Initiative team partnered with the Tiko-Likomba Hospital where screening and counseling took place. While in Douala, they worked together with the St. Jean de Dieu Catholic Hospital in Yassa.

It was led by the Project Coordinator of GDI in Cameroon, Nkesa Nestor, and Coordinator for Tiko, Carol Mbandi, with general supervision by the Founder of Global Diabetes Initiatives, Matilda Chongwa.

The population present during the event were screened, and free medications offered to those living with diabetes and those who were newly diagnosed were counselled and referred for treatment.

During the community campaigns and educational workshops, inhabitants of these communities were urged to come together, raise awareness and join GDI to kick diabetes out of their communities.

According to the Founder of GDI, Matilda Chongwa, the initiative is due to her concern over diabetes patients in Cameroon. She said her aim is to completely eradicate diabetes in all communities.

"Previously we were in Foumbot, Buea, Yaounde and Bali. We are in Tiko and Douala because we also want to eradicate diabetes in these communities. We are not ending here, we still go to places like Bafoussam, Baba and others. We believe that with support, we are going to reach all the communities in Cameroon," Chongwa said.

At the end of the events, free medications were offered to those who were diagnosed with diabetes. Some were equally referred to the hospital for proper treatments. The event ended with the beneficiaries saluting GDI for coming to their help, as they promised to support the organisation by spreading the good message.

About Global Diabetes Initiative 

Global Diabetes Initiative has also been assisting children from poor diabetes families in the domain of education for years now. 

Growing up in a family profoundly affected by diabetes, Matilda Chongwa experienced several challenges with her family.

The Founder of GDI said she came to realise that diabetes does not only need medication, but also emotional support and understanding. 

It was on this note that she started, in her own little way, with what later gave birth to the Global Diabetes Initiatives, GDI, in 2014. The organisation supports diabetes patients in the United Kingdom and Cameroon.