Phase four of diabetes care project examined by health officials
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, November 15, 2017
The execution plan for the fourth phase of the Guyana Diabetes Care Project and the upcoming Bi-annual stakeholder and steering committee meeting were discussed during an engagement between health official at the Ministry of Public Health earlier today.
Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence meeting with representatives of the Guyana Diabetic Care Project. At right is Project Coordinator, Professor Brian Ostrow.
Guyana Diabetes Care Project Coordinator Professor Brian Ostrow, Project Manager Rolinda Kirton, Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence and Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings also reviewed what was done since the Diabetes Care Project’s initial phase in 2008.
Minister Lawrence lauded the impact of the project on the public’s awareness of diabetes. Addressing the team, she said, “You have been doing some good work in Guyana… I am very happy that you are concerned about the continuity of the project. We want to continue working with you, the issues are not all resolved and therefore we are still opened to that partnership.”
Minister Lawrence opined that the ongoing work under this project as well as other fruitful suggestions can enhance and contribute to the work of the National Commission for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. “I think the findings can help in the focusing of where we need to put our energies and our resources,” the Minister said.
The Guyana Diabetic Care Project representatives meeting with Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings.
Professor Ostrow pointed out that there will be considerations when moving into phase four of the GDC Project since this segment will be structured differently and will require full collaboration from the Ministry of Public Health.
“World Diabetes Foundation is insisting that the ministry be the body that it negotiates and talks to… We really need a point person here at the ministry and if you (Minister Lawrence) could give us some direction here we would be extremely grateful,” Professor Ostrow explained.
Ostrow also added that based on the steps survey which was examined, he found that there has never been a prevalence study conducted in Guyana. He added that the World Diabetes Foundation would take advantage of the collaboration fostered with MoPH to ensure this conducted.
Professor Brian Ostrow from Canada is here to convene the Bi-annual stakeholder and steering committee meeting which is scheduled to be hosted on November 23 and 24 respectively. Minster Cummings will be delivering the feature address at this event.
By: Delicia Haynes
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