World Diabetes Day marked in Nakuru with calls for concerted efforts to combat causes

Statistics have revealed that 2-3 percent of the population of Nakuru County are ailing from different types of diabetes.

Nakuru County Cec for health Dr.Kariuki Gichuki says this is a trend that needs to be controlled through concerted efforts from medical stakeholders and members of the public.

Speaking on Wednesday during ceremony to mark World Diabetes Day held at the Nakuru West PCEA grounds, Dr.Gichuki said if Kenyans can change their behaviors then diabetes can be controlled.

“The main reason we are here is to mark the day but also to help the people of Nakuru County know that the disease is with us and we need to address how we can control the same” said Dr.Gichuki.

He said the county is working towards creating awareness among the citizens on the same before engaging on prevention mechanisms through the Nakuru Level 5 as well as level 4 hospitals.

According to the Cec,the Nakuru Level 5 hospital is well equipped to address diabetes patients and called on the locals to make good use of the facility.

At the comprehensive Diabetes Unit at the PGH, diabetic minors are treated free while for the adults only pay Kshs 250- a reduction from Kshs 1500.

This, he says has been able through the partnership with other medical stakeholders.

“At the Nakuru PGH and all the Level 4 facilities we have equipped units to handle maters of diabetes and we call upon the locals to make good use of the facilities. At the comprehensive Diabetes Unit at the PGH, diabetic minors are treated free while for the adults only pay Kshs 250- a reduction from Kshs 1500” he said.

The Cec once again reiterating that the county government of Nakuru is committed to ensure improved health service delivery through equipping all the heath facilities.

He noted that the county has commenced the process of supplying drugs worth 86 Million to the various health facilities in all the health facilities in the county.

According to the CeC, the stock that is being distributed will be able to run the facilities up to 4 months.

“This week we are supplying drugs to all our health facilities in line with improving service delivery. The stock will be able to carry us through 4-5 months” he said.

PHOTO/Pristone Mambili:Nakuru County Cec for Health Dr.Kariuki Gichuki(3rd from right in specs) joins in a walk to mark world Diabetes Day.