 Togo: Further Training in Diabetes Therapy
Diabetes mellitus has since long ceased to be a disorder affecting “only” the inhabitants of the rich countries of the Northern hemisphere. In numerous developing countries, too, the number of patients suffering from this dangerous metabolism disorder is constantly increasing. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of cases is likely to triple or even to quadruple in many African countries by 2030.
This forecast applies to Togo, too, as diabetes cases here are expected to increase from 63,725 (in 2000) to 183,555 by 2030. In anticipation of this development, the GPHF supported in this West-African country a training project aimed at familiarising physicians and nurses with modern methods of diagnosis and therapy, and at providing patients and their families with information and training on how this disorder can best be handled. The objective of the project was to lay the foundations for a modern disorder management via an exemplary model which can also be implemented in other countries and situations.
The lecturers at this five-day event, at which 200 persons participated, included specialised physicians from Togo and experts from the WHO. The project, which was complemented by an information campaign addressing hospitals, doctors’ practices and health care centers, was realized under the auspices of the Minister of Health of Togo.
The seminar took place at the end of 2003 in Togo’s capital, Lomé. For this event, the GPHF has teamed up with the AfriMedicus organization which had developed the seminar and conducted it locally.
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