November 15, (THEWILL) – Senator John Owan Enoh on Sunday said diabetes patients were the most vulnerable during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Enoh made this known in Calabar while declaring open a city walk, themed “Access To Care”, to mark this year’s World Diabetes Day.
He said people lack knowledge of diabetes and he is stepping up diabetes sensitization through his foundation.
“Now we are going through the COVID-19 pandemic, if you look at the literature on the pandemic, you are going to discover that diabetic patients are one of the most vulnerable people in terms of COVID-19.
“I think it is increasingly important that we call people’s attention by way of sensitisation.
“I think that a society that lacks knowledge is an ignorant one and this foundation is my own contribution. We need to create awareness among the people to inform them of this danger of diabetes,” he said.
He projected that 90 percent of the population would have been reached by the sensitisation efforts by 2030. This is in addition to having garnered local and international support.
Earlier, the Cross River state deputy governor, Prof Ivara Esu, who kicked off the sensitisation walk, said, “Diabetes as you all know is one disease that is ravaging the world.
“Most deaths we hear, apart from COVID-19 are linked to diabetes and hypertension. So you can imagine the thoughtfulness in conceiving this foundation.
“It is something that requires a lot of support for all of us. And I am so happy many people are here to participate in today’s walk.”
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
