Africa-Press – Botswana. Employers across Ngamiland have been urged to introduce routine blood glucose screening and health education in the workplace as the region battles a growing burden of diabetes.
Family Medicine Specialist, Dr Phenyoyaone Moloko of Matshwane Clinic said non-communicable diseases such as diabetes were now affecting thousands of residents and threatening productivity. Dr Moloko shared the advice during the World Diabetes Day commemoration in Shorobe on Thursday.
He warned that diabetes was no longer a distant, slow-moving condition, but a growing public health emergency that was already straining families, clinics and workplaces.
According to Dr Moloko, Ngamiland currently recorded 2 756 diabetes patients, 89 of whom were new diagnosed cases, while 434 patients were already battling severe complications such as chronic wounds, kidney failure, loss of sight and nerve damage.
“These numbers show us that diabetes is not just a health issue but rather a workplace issue, an economic issue and a family issue,” he said.
He highlighted the need for workplace screening and awareness campaigns that will help enable people to be at the forefront of their health
“We need workplaces to contribute actively by offering screening, education and creating environments that support healthier choices,” he said.
Dr Moloko emphasised that early detection remained the most effective tool in preventing lifelong complications.
“When diabetes is caught early, it can be controlled easily but the challenge is that many of our people seek help only when the disease has progressed and by then, treatment becomes costly and difficult,” he said.
Dr Moloko further encouraged companies and institutions to organise awareness campaigns, adding that the workplace was one of the most strategic channels to reach the population.
For his part, Kgosi Boingotlo Nonyane of Shorobe, expressed gratitude that such vital services had reached the village, noting that many residents delayed seeking help because of the long distance between Shorobe and Maun.
Councillor for Matlapana–Shorobe ward, Mr Kobamelo Baikgodisi, echoed similar sentiments, urging residents to prioritise routine screening even when they feel healthy.
“Most of our young people think diseases like diabetes are for older adults, but illness knows no age hence screening is vital for everyone,” he said.
He encouraged youth to take responsibility for their wellbeing, warning that lifestyle diseases were increasingly affecting younger populations due to poor diet and inactivity.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
