THE Ministry of Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations has announced the launch of an exciting joint initiative focusing on diabetes in collaboration with Medical Aid Films, an international NGO that produces educational films for women and frontline health workers.
The initiative will explore gestational diabetes in Saint Lucia through film, and will be shot on location in Saint Lucia early next year.
The film will share important information on gestational diabetes and how to prevent the onset of Type II diabetes in both mother and child.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Cointha Thomas welcomed the partnership with Medical Aid Films.She said: “In the face of a global epidemic of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, it is vital that our citizens are empowered with life-saving knowledge and healthy living strategies. We welcome the opportunity to address the lesser-known problem of gestational diabetes and to promote diabetes prevention education through the engaging nature of film.”
The film will be available by April 2016 to support education and awareness about gestational diabetes and the prevention of Type II diabetes.
The initiative was made possible through the technical and financial support of WScience Laboratories (AG) and its Chairman, Dr. WalidJuffali.
WScience Laboratories works to advance personal healthcare and lifestyles and actively supports initiatives and organizations such as Medical Aid Films that work in tandem to achieve these goals.
The prevalence of diabetes is one of the leading causes of both morbidity and mortality in Saint Lucia. It also poses significant risks to the health of both the mother and baby during pregnancy. Eight out of ten women who experience gestational diabetes develop Type II diabetes in later life – a risk that is also passed onto their children.