NAN-HG-1
Screening
(Misau) Bauchi,Nov.26,2016 The Diabetes Association of Nigeria(DAN), Bauchi State chapter, on Saturday in Misau, embarked on free screening of diabetes as part of its activities aimed at sensitizing members of the public on the ailment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise, which will last two days, is part of activities organised by the association to mark the World Diabetes Day.
In his speech, National President of Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) whose graced the occasion, Dr Mohammed Alkali, said many people living with the ailment were unaware that they had it, hence the need to embark on public screening.
He said the ailment had become a source of concern globally that called for massive awareness on the part of the people.
According to him, a strategy of involving dwellers across all communities is a pro-active approach that will awaken the people to know their diabetic status.
“Some people are going about their normal businesses without knowing that they have diabetes.
“The ailment is not only hereditary, but can also be acquired, as such free screening would awaken people in knowing their diabetic status,” he said.
Mohammed, who is also the Chief Medical Director of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU-TH), Bauchi, commended the Bauchi chapter of DAN for conducting the exercise.
Also speaking, Chairperson of DAN, Bauchi state, Mrs Miriam Illiya, said research had confirmed that diabetes ailment was not only hereditary, but also associated with pattern of life style.
“The screening is to encourage the public know their status and also be conducting the exercise at individual level, after every six months,” she said.
She called on parents to screen their children as the ailment could also manifest in them, dispelling the long held erroneous notion that kids could not be diabetic.
“‘Diabetes is also found in children, therefore the screening should include people of all ages,” she advised.
In his remark, the Chief Medical Director, Misau General Hospital, Dr Aminu Bakunawa, thanked the association for selecting Misau Locl Government and the hospital facility, for the exercise.(NAN)
AE/ASH/ASH