The Dominica Diabetes Association held its annual general meeting on Friday, June 10 2022.
The Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA Inc) is a group of persons who share a common interest in the improvement of the quality of life for all Dominicans including persons living with diabetes and its complications. DOMDA works all over the island and represents Dominica on the international level for all matters related to diabetes.the association has excellent relationship with the Ministry of health and strategic approach and programs for prevention and care are selected and implemented in close cooperation.
Over the years the association held numerous activities geared at educating the public on diabetes.
Nurse Rebecca Eusebe is the first vice president of the Dominica diabetes association. She delivered the president’s report on behalf of Ms. Marvlyn Birmingham who was unable to attend the event.
“In spite of these setbacks, the association undertook a number of educational and informational activities using social media and in particular the zoom conferencing platform. The community outreach programme entitled ‘Adopt Health Habits Campaign – Phase 1’ sought to encourage and increase intake of water and fruits instead of sweet drinks and sugar dense foods through the Water Wednesday, Frui Friday campaign,” Nurse Eusebe stated.
Nurse Eusebe says during the first quarter of 2020, activities continued at the primary and pre-schools at the Grand Bay Health District. She says to further assist the effort to fight diabetes the Seventh Day Adventist Health Ministry led by Mrs. Priscilla Prevost has become an important partner.
“In February 2020, the two organizations collaborated and convened a three day seminar titled Reversing Diabetes. Later that year, the organization was again pleased to partner with the Adventist Health Ministry to successfully execute activities marking Diabetes Awareness Month and World Diabetes Day,” she explained.
In March 2020, the Association received diabetes care products from a non-governmental organization ‘Insulin for Life USA’. She spoke of the activities which were done for World Diabetes Month in November.
“The two pallets of supplies included insulin syringes, pen needles, lancets, lancing devices, alcohol pads, sharps, containers and glucose metres. Supplies were subsequently distributed to the various health districts in November 2020 as part of activities in observance of Diabetes Awareness Month. November has been general designated Diabetes Awareness Month and a number of activities were implemented to coincide with the observance of World Diabetes Day on November 14. The month of diabetes awareness was built around the theme ‘Diabetes and the Nurse; Nurses Making A Difference’ and included radio discussions, diabetes infomercials for radio and social media and an educational forum targeting health personnel,” Nurse Eusebe explained.
The Annual General Meeting was done under the theme ‘DOMDA and Diabetes…Reimagining the Future’.