Diabetes and mental health

Cohort: 2019-2022

This project is no longer ongoing

Thembela Rwanga – Zimbabwe

My project provides psychosocial support to people with diabetes and their family in discussion groups. The main topic of discussion was the challenges and anxieties that come with living with diabetes in Zimbabwe. The project was supposed to be introduced at the Zimbabwe Diabetes Association and then expanded nationwide. However, this was hindered by the COVID-19 measures, which included restrictions on travel and gatherings. When these measures were introduced, the trainee could not undertake the travelling and meeting aspects of the project. Instead, they focused on planning for post-COVID-19. I held a few online sessions with Zoom and WhatsApp since this was the only way to have a psychosocial discussion.