Santé Diabète

Diabetes consultation

Diabetes information tools

Diabetes consultation at hospital, Bamako

Santé Diabète is a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to fighting diabetes and improving the quality of life for those living with the disease, particularly in Africa. Founded in response to the growing epidemic of diabetes in low and middle-income countries, Santé Diabète focuses on implementing sustainable strategies to prevent and manage diabetes, emphasizing the importance of education, access to quality care, and advocacy.

Overview

Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which over time leads to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. The most common types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Santé Diabète works across these areas, with a particular focus on type 2 diabetes, which is largely preventable through regular physical activity, a healthy and balanced diet, and the promotion of healthy living environments.

Mission

The mission of Santé Diabète is to improve the prevention and management of diabetes in Africa. This involves:

• Enhancing access to quality diabetes care and treatment for patients.
• Increasing awareness and education about diabetes to prevent its onset.
• Supporting the training of healthcare professionals in diabetes care.
• Advocating for policies that promote the health and well-being of people living with diabetes.

Programs and Activities

Santé Diabète implements a variety of programs and activities to achieve its mission:

• Health Education: Conducting community outreach and education programs to raise awareness about the risk factors and prevention strategies for diabetes.
• Medical Support: Providing medical supplies and support to healthcare facilities to improve the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
• Capacity Building: Offering training programs for healthcare workers to enhance their skills in diabetes care and management.
• Research and Advocacy: Engaging in research to better understand the diabetes landscape in Africa and advocating for policies that support diabetes care and prevention.

Impact

Through its efforts, Santé Diabète has made significant strides in improving diabetes care in Africa. The organization has:

• Increased access to diabetes care and treatment for thousands of patients.
• Enhanced the capacity of healthcare professionals to manage diabetes effectively.
• Raised awareness about diabetes and its prevention among communities across Africa.

Challenges

Despite its achievements, Santé Diabète faces several challenges, including:

• Limited resources and funding to expand its programs.
• The need for stronger healthcare systems in Africa to support diabetes care.
• The ongoing challenge of addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to the prevalence of diabetes.

Future Directions

Santé Diabète aims to continue its work in Africa, expanding its programs to reach more people and advocating for stronger policies on diabetes care and prevention. The organization also plans to collaborate with other stakeholders to address the broader determinants of health and to integrate diabetes care into primary health care systems.