AMPUTATIONS carried out due to diabetes can be prevented, says acting chief medical advisor Luisa Cikamatana.
She told participants at the launch of the Healthy Steps Project and foot care workshop/training in the Central Division yesterday that diabetes is taking a heavy toll on the nation.
“Behind every statistic is a person whose life, family, and future is changed forever,” Dr Cikamatana said. “But we also know this: it does not have to be this way. With strong primary health care, early detection, consistent follow-up, and empowered nurses, we can turn this tide.”
Dr Cikamatana said the 30 nurses who had been undergoing the three-month footcare training would be able to support health authorities in addressing the diabetes crisis.
“You are the ones who can identify risks early, provide footcare, teach families and stop small problems from becoming life-changing crises.”
Dr Cikamatana said the workshop is part of their national commitment to transform primary health care, to make it people-centered, preventive and proactive.
“When you return to your clinics, health centres and communities, you will carry with you not just new knowledge, but the responsibility to apply it.
“Every patient whose feet you check, every referral you make in time, every conversation you have with a family, those are the building blocks of a stronger, more responsive health system.
“So, I challenge you: learn with urgency, share openly, and commit fully.
“Let us rise as champions of primary health care, and as guardians of the feet and futures of our people living with diabetes.”
