MMC Molwele warns of the world’s silent killer

11 April 2016

 

The City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, Councillor Nonceba Molwele, at the weekend called on the city’s residents to test for diabetes to avoid untimely death.

 

MMC Molwele was speaking at a diabetes awareness drive at the Alexandra shopping centre on Saturday. The campaign was staged a day after Johannesburg joined five other world cities – Mexico City in Mexico, Copenhagen in Denmark, Houston in the USA, and Tianjin and Shanghai in China – in an international drive to fight the disease and encourage people to lead healthy lifestyles.

This means Johannesburg is the first African city to join the campaign, launched in Mexico City in 2014.

“Diabetes is a silent killer. It’s dangerous for one not to know whether they have diabetes as this can lead to untimely death, stroke, blindness and amputations. When one knows they have diabetes, they can then be put on treatment and be advised about changing to a healthier lifestyle, including eating healthy food and exercising regularly,” MMC Molwele said.

At least 20 health professionals – including Wits University medical students and professors and City’s nurses – helped residents to test for diabetes, hypertension and other ailments. At least 10 private consultation gazebos had been set up for this purpose. Novo Nordisk, the Scandinavian pharmaceutical company, also had a gazebo manned by its staff members.

The City’s Health and Social Development Department staffers – wearing T-shirts themed Cities Changing Diabetes and branded bearing logos of the City of Joburg, Novo Nordisk and Wits University – were everywhere, answering questions and directing residents to various stalls.

One of the gazebos was occupied by about 25 elderly residents – all members of the Rethabile Senior Citizens Club – resplendent in their branded bright blue T-shirts and matching running shoes.

“We encourage each other to live healthy lifestyles by eating healthily and engaging in exercises such as walking, jogging and aerobics,” said 59-year-old Emily Mokgotsi.

“We also meet at least twice a month to discuss issues about our health and share ideas on how to lead disease-free lives. This includes going for regular health check-ups at the clinic and avoiding unhealthy foods and habits.”

Brian Hlongwane, 32, told the gathering he was born with diabetes.

“I asked myself: ‘Why me?’ I had thought diabetes only affected elderly people. But as part of my treatment I was referred to a diabetes support group, which helped me realise the importance of providing support for people with the disease. This is where I learned more about the disease and how to manage it. My diabetes is under control because I eat healthy food, exercise regularly and drink a lot of water,” he said.