First District launches revamped Diabetes Association
Speaking on behalf of Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton, Territorial At Large Representative Hon. Archibald C. Christian said “Diabetes is a chronic disease that is affecting many valued members of our society.”
He added that its face has changed over the years from affecting mature older persons to young persons and welcomed the launch of the First District Diabetes Association as a response to the growing need for support in the community.
Hon. Christian expressed that the move signalled unity, support and action and reflects a younger generation that understands the clarion call to educate their peers and communities on diabetes. He further noted that the Ministry of Health remained resolute in advocating prevention through healthy lifestyle habits.
Dr Anthony Ibrahim, an Internist with the BVI Health Services Authority, delivered the feature address at the launch and focused much of his address on dialysis of persons affected with diabetes, reading from a prepared list of questions and answers. He said that dialysis was a temporary treatment or replacement process for end-stage kidney disease.
Dr Ibrahim disclosed that there were currently 38 persons on dialysis machines at Peebles Hospital and said there were countless others waiting to be dialysed at the moment. “Dialysis itself is very expensive, one session… we charge about $1300 at Peebles Hospital,” he said, noting that persons needing the treatment required three sessions per week on average.
He also talked about the need for good support with persons experiencing the disease including seeking the services of a nutritionist and social worker in addition to the medical support that persons had.
Dr Ibrahim revealed that the type of dialysis treatment being offered at the hospital currently was hemo-dialysis and noted that the youngest person being treated at the moment for diabetes was 17 years of age. He further disclosed that the most common cause of kidney failure was type II diabetes.
During the ceremony, members of the FDDA were installed with Mr Allan Rhymer as the President of the Association. The group pledged to lead the charge of diabetes prevention, education and advice in the First Disctrict. One of the group’s many aims is to provide support and to equip those affected by diabetes with the necessary tools to manage it effectively.
First District Representative Hon. Andrew A. Fahie noted that the association was dormant for many years and expressed his pride at the new initiative taken by the members of the group.
It was revealed that the Diabetes Association is currently in its 32nd year in the territory.
Hon. Fahie also did a presentation to honour long serving nurse (retired), Delores Jones. Hon Fahie lauded Jones' service to the community and Territory at large and expressed the community’s gratitude at having her serve for the number of years that she did.
5 Responses to “First District launches revamped Diabetes Association”
this launch is very good news!