The centre will identify mechanisms to better prevent, diagnose and treat diabetes.
The Government of Saint Lucia has announced a major national initiative that will transform the fight against diabetes, via a unique public-private partnership between the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Gender Relations, and a non-profit supported by Switzerland-based W Science.
The initiative will create a new standard for the diagnosis, treatment and research into this chronic condition. It will be led by the newly established National Diabetes Coordinating Centre (NDCC), and accompanied in the next twelve months by a nationwide diabetes screening program, an educational awareness-raising campaign, a training program for diabetes specialists, and a national registry of people with diabetes that will greatly enhance clinical care and research in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean region.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Health, Hon. Alvina Reynolds said the impact of diabetes of public health resources in significant.
“Diabetes is an endemic public health issue and one of the leading causes of early death. Taking into account the myriad and long-term complications of this condition, its impact on public health resources and national finances is enormous. As such, identifying and establishing mechanisms to better prevent, diagnose and treat diabetes is one of the single greatest health priorities.”
The launch follows more than a year of in-depth feasibility studies on diabetes by W Science. The research team was led by Prof. Philippe Halban, a global authority on diabetes research with more than 40 years of experience in the field.
The NDCC will be directed by a team of national and international diabetes, healthcare and IT expert advisors. Clinical research at the centre will drive improved treatment and care of people with diabetes in Saint Lucia, alongside provisions for an immediate expansion of medical equipment and medication available through island-wide primary healthcare centres.
The centre will be run by a team of newly-recruited local clinical and administrative specialists, who will coordinate all aspects of the project with full involvement from primary healthcare centres, government ministries, regulatory authorities, academic institutions and non-governmental organizations.
