The Association guinéenne d'aide et d'éducation du diabète is organizing a free screening campaign for diabetes and hypertension on World Diabetes Day, November 14, 2026. The campaign will take place at the CHU de Donka and the hospital régional d'Entag. Dr. Amadou Bah, an endocrinologist and head of the diabetology department at CHU de Donka, announced the initiative, which aims to encourage early detection of these diseases and raise awareness about their risk factors.
According to Dr. Bah, diabetes has become a significant public health problem worldwide, with high prevalence rates. He explained that diabetes is a chronic disease related to high blood sugar levels, which can manifest with or without symptoms. The doctor emphasized the importance of not waiting until symptoms appear to seek medical attention, as early detection and treatment can prevent complications.
The campaign will also focus on raising awareness among parents about the signs of diabetes in children. Dr. Bah highlighted that children with diabetes often exhibit distinct symptoms, such as excessive thirst, hunger, weight loss, and fatigue. He advised parents to be vigilant and take their children to the hospital if they notice these symptoms, as prompt treatment can prevent serious complications.
In contrast, adults with type 2 diabetes may not exhibit symptoms for several years, making early detection challenging. Dr. Bah cited statistics from the Fédération internationale du diabète, stating that one in nine adults worldwide has diabetes without knowing it, and 635 million adults are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Guinea is not immune to the growing prevalence of diabetes. Dr. Bah noted that regular consultations often lead to the discovery of new cases among patients who are unaware of their condition. He stressed the importance of screening campaigns, like the one on World Diabetes Day, to identify and treat cases early, preventing complications.
The free screening campaign on November 14 aims to encourage the population to take proactive steps in detecting and managing diabetes and hypertension. Dr. Bah invited the public to attend the campaign at Donka and Entag hospitals, starting at 2 PM, to get screened and learn more about these diseases.
The campaign is part of a broader effort to address the growing health concern of diabetes in Guinea. By raising awareness and promoting early detection, the Association guinéenne d'aide et d'éducation du diabète and Dr. Bah hope to make a positive impact on public health and encourage individuals to take control of their health.
Key points
- The free screening campaign for diabetes and hypertension will take place on November 14, 2026, at Donka and Entag hospitals in Guinea.
