Kilifi — Community health volunteers (CHVs) in Kilifi County have urged the government to make diabetes treatment free. This appeal was made during the World Diabetes Day celebrations at the Alaskan grounds in Malindi town. The CHVs highlighted the challenges faced by many households in accessing diabetes treatment, which has become increasingly unaffordable.

According to Kenya News Agency, a community health volunteer, the increase in consultation fees in public health facilities and the scarcity of diabetes medication have led many patients to default on their treatment. She noted that the high cost of medication in private chemists is a significant burden for many families, resulting in increased amputations, deaths, and consequently, a rise in the number of orphans. Auma stressed the difficulty in convincing patients to seek hospital treatment due to the financial strain, as many cannot afford both consultation fees and medication. She appealed for diabetes to be managed with the same level of government support as HIV patients.

Echoing Auma’s sentiments, Harold Adamba, Chairman of the Community Health Volunteers in Kilifi County, called on the government to prioritize diabetes treatment akin to HIV, cancer, and tuberculosis. He emphasized the need for more awareness campaigns and testing for early detection and management of the disease. The CHVs also plan to conduct house-to-house awareness and testing campaigns, urging cooperation from Kilifi County residents.

Ms. Mesalim Musa, another CHV, attributed the surge in diabetes cases to poor nutrition and advised Kenyans to adopt balanced diets. Dr. John Moss, the coordinator of non-communicable diseases in Kilifi County, acknowledged the efforts in awareness campaigns and the availability of diabetes drugs in most health facilities. However, he pointed out the inadequacy of drugs in rural facilities and the reluctance of patients to visit level four hospitals due to higher charges, leading to depleted supplies in level three hospitals.