According to a press release, this non-communicable disease continues to be among the most prevalent diseases in the British Virgin Islands and many are not aware that they are diabetic.

In addition, “the cost factors associated with this life-altering disease and physical damages patients sustain, is the main motivator of this worthwhile effort that will take teams of BVIHSA specialists across the Territory this month.”

Furthermore, “A number of persons are currently on dialysis as a result of this disease, and it is estimated that more persons will require dialysis treatment."

As the main medical establishment in the Territory, the BVIHSA is on a mission to reverse this trend. "In this light, the Community Health Department has launched a month-long community outreach initiative aimed at educating and informing about the risks factors,” the release added.

Outreach Programme

In light of this, the BVIHSA will be partnering with Smile Dental Spa, Therapy Works, Nature’s Way, BVI Red Cross, and the BVI Diabetes Association on this campaign that will run until the end of November.

“Usually we would wait for clients to show up for care…but now we seek to engage the community through outreach programmes. We are coordinating with other allied health groups and service organizations to promote a holistic care option for persons affected by diabetes,” Dr. Shanakay Fraser of the Joint Endocrinology/Primary Care services team said.

She explained that because one in two persons have diabetes and do not know it, stating that this disease could lead to vision loss and amputation, the outreach programme will focus on early intervention through screening, diabetes management and overall prevention.

The activities commenced on November 10, with a Diabetes Symposium held at the Upper Room Victory Church and Culture Day at Jost Van Dyke on November 12.

Upcoming activities include Endocrine Clinic Audit Presentation at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital Lobby on November 16, Health Talk at the Church of God Holiness on November 17, Outreach Symposium at the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church on November 24, Foot Clinic at the Capoons Bay Clinic on November 24, Mobile Screening Clinic, at the Bregada Flax Educational Center on November 25, Mobile Screen Clinic on Anegada on November 29 and Mobile Screening Clinic at ROMPS in North Sound Virgin Gorda.

World Diabetes Day 2021 is being celebrated under the theme “Access to Diabetes Care: If Not Now, When?”