A team of medical professionals is in the state this week for their first Diabetes and Hypertension Medical Mission, as part of the Caribbean Diabetes Initiative.

The Caribbean Diabetes Initiative Inc. is a community based non-profit organisation whose aim is to improve awareness and management of Diabetes and its related complications.

The visiting team comprises fourteen US based volunteers of certified endocrinologists, Internists, Pediatricians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, nurses and certified diabetes educators.

The mission will provide Diabetes and Hypertension comprehensive community educational programs, screening and management sessions in three Health Districts and workshops for healthcare professionals.

The team is expected to make a courtesy call to top officials from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment.

Today, Tuesday 30th may, they will journey to Chateaublair to provide Diabetes and Hypertension medical services at the Chateaubelair Health Centre; on Wednesday 31st May, at Stubbs Poly Clinic; and Thursday 1st June, at the Biabou Health Centre.

On Friday, 2nd June, they will be providing training in the form of two symposiums at the Knowledge Institute, Kingstown, for nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals. The curtain comes down on Saturday 3rd June with a fun walk from Diamond to Rawacou.

Diabetes is a major health problem that is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide, and it is one of the most challenging Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The mission is being held in partnership with the SVG Diabetes and Hypertension Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment.



SOURCE: NBC