To mark World Diabetes Day, which is today November 14, Freetown City Council provided free screening for diabetes for 100 market women across four markets. The screenings, which happened on November 12 & 13, 2019, were carried out by Parene Healthcare, one of the partners in the Health Sector Working Group.
The screening exercises took place at Big Market, Kroo Town Road Market, Congo Market and Lumley Market.
The screening exercise involved tests for blood sugar, blood pressure, and even Malaria for those who showed symptoms of it. The health personnel also provided advice for market women with chronic conditions.
FCC has been supporting the provision of healthcare to workers in the informal sector, who otherwise will not seek it. Last July, the Council provided glucometers for diabetes screening.
The prevalence of non-communicable diseases cannot be underestimated and Freetown City Council is working to sustainably support the provision of such services to the informal sector.