About
The idea to form an association that would spearhead the interests of all people living with diabetes in Malawi emanated from informal discussions during diabetic clinic sessions at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre around August 2007. It had been noted that diabetic patients were experiencing a number of challenges with respect to the provision of treatment and with the availability of appropriate drugs. These issues needed to be communicated to hospital authorities and other stakeholders using an organised common voice. It was also noted that the prevalence of diabetes in Malawi was on the increase judging from the ever swelling attendance at the clinics, yet there was little awareness of the problem particularly among the rural folk who would live with the ailment for long periods of time before diagnosis and treatment.
As a result of this many people were losing sight, limbs or even life due to ignorance. Following these discussions the first meeting of diabetic patients to establish an Association was held on 25 September 2007 at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) grounds, with the kind permission of the hospital authorities. During this meeting an interim committee was elected to spearhead the establishment of the association and the drafting of a constitution.
Main Focus
The main objective is to educate, conduct public awareness campaigns and sensitize the general public of Malawi (Advocacy) regardless of color, tribe or religious background about dangers of Diabetes and how it affects people, corporate world and economic activities of the country.