ZCZC
BSS-42
COVID19-AWARNESS-CAMPAIGN
Awareness campaign ‘AmaderProchesta’ launched for COVID-19, diabetes
DHAKA, June 20, 2020 (BSS) – A social campaign called as “AmaderProchesta” was launched today to create awareness on COVID-19 and diabetes.
The project aims to help healthcare professionals in identifying the unmet needs in diabetes management for patients, especially who are suffering from COVID-19, and preparedness required in the healthcare system.
The project is a joint initiative of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS), Non-Communicable Diseases Control (NCDC) Programme of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Novo Nordisk and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), said a press release today.
A guideline on “COVID-19 and diabetes for healthcare professional” has been prepared and published on a dedicated website: www.diabetes-covid19.org introduced under this project.
In addition, two certificate courses on “COVID-19 prevention of diabetic patients and services” have also been introduced under the project.
Two lakh people will be tested for random blood sugar while educational materials, videos, leaflets, and posters have been prepared and distributed on the prevention of COVID-19 and diabetes.
BADAS President Professor A K Azad Khan said diabetes patients are at higher risk and that is why they are needed to be very careful during this pandemic.
“Social awareness is the key to preventing this deadly disease including other NCDs,” he added.
“The death rate of COVID-19 patients living with NCDs such as diabetes is much higher and we need to work together to address the challenges of COVID-19,” said Dr AHM Enayet Hussain, Director General of DGHS.
“This is a timely initiative and it will bring more values for patients, who are facing challenges of limited healthcare resources in the country, said Professor Akhtar Hussain, President (Elect) of International Diabetes Federation.
“This project is an opportunity for Novo Nordisk to demonstrate our social responsibility and commitment to patients and the communities we operate in,” said Dr Mihail Briciu, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk.
The new platform will be used effectively to protect health of patients living with diabetes and hypertension, said Yasuhiro Kawazoe, Senior Representative of JICA.
BSS/PR/MAK/GA/1732 Hrs