Kenyans to access information on NCDs from their phones
Kenyans can now access information on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) directly from their mobile phones.
This follows the launch of an SMS and USSD service called Fafanuka which is Swahili for ‘to be enlightened’ which was announced during the World Diabetes Day celebrations at Emusire primary school in Vihiga County.
The Fafanuka platform which is powered by Safaricom in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance of Kenya (NCDAK) aims to address the information gap on the prevention, management and care of Non-Communicable Diseases.
“Fafanuka will leverage SMS & USSD to educate public, patients, nurses, Community Health Workers and caregivers on how to prevent, screen, diagnose, manage and follow up various non-communicable diseases which include diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and epilepsy.
To register for the service all one needs to do is dial *215# from their Safaricom line and follow the instructions,” said Dr. Joseph Kibachio, Head of Non Communicable Diseases Division in the Ministry of Health
The content has been developed in partnership with various organisations who are part of NCDAK including Kenya Cardiac Society (KCS), Kenya Network of Cancer Organisations (KENCO), Kenya Welfare of People with Epilepsy (KAWE) and the Kenya Diabetes Management and Information Centre (DMI). The platform’s secretariat is run by the African Institute For Health and Development (AIHD)
According to the World Health Organisation, non-communicable diseases (NCD) contribute to over 50 percent of inpatient cases in Kenya and 40 percent of hospital deaths.
Meanwhile, the Aga Khan University Hospital will offer free diabetes awareness and screening initiatives during this year’s World Diabetes Day to sensitise the public about the disease, its treatment and management.
The hospital will hold a free diabetes awareness and screening open day on Friday November 16, 2018 at the hospital from 9:00 am -3:00 pm.
This year’s World Diabetes Day themed ‘Diabetes and the Family’ focuses on increasing awareness on the impact that diabetes has on the family and social support of those affected and promote the role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education of diabetes.
Screening will include blood sugar, blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference and advice on nutrition. Adults and children are highly encouraged to attend the public awareness forum and screening for early detection that will ensure better management outcomes of the disease.
A team of specialists including diabetologists, diabetes educators, nurses and dieticians will be available for a one on one free consultation with the specialists.
Source : KBC News
