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Accra Golden Lions Club holds fundraiser to support Korle BU Diabetic Unit
The Accra Golden Lions Club has organised a fundraiser as part of its 31st Charter Anniversary to support the Diabetic Clinic at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). The primary objective of the event was to raise funds for the purchase of a Confocal Retina Camera valued at GHS 150,000.00, which is crucial for enhancing the clinic's capabilities.
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The Confocal Retina Camera is a specialized low-power microscope equipped with a camera designed to photograph the interior surface of the eye, including the retina.
Dr. Helena Asamoah-Hassan, 1st Vice District Governor of D418, Ghana, emphasised the global impact of diabetes during her address at the event. She revealed that an estimated 463 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, making it a truly global health concern.
Dr. Asamoah-Hassan also highlighted Lions International's mission, which includes reducing the prevalence of diabetes, improving the quality of life for those diagnosed, and educating communities about diabetes while fostering environments that promote healthy lifestyles.
She cited concerning statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating that the number of adults with diabetes is projected to increase by a staggering 129 percent, reaching 55 million by 2045. Dr. Asamoah-Hassan also pointed out that diabetes is the only major non-communicable disease where the risk of premature death is increasing rather than decreasing.
In Ghana, the situation is equally concerning, with approximately 2.4 million people living with diabetes. Type-2 diabetes affects around 7.5 percent of adults in the country, with a higher prevalence among women.
Dr. Yacoba Atiase, Head of the National Diabetes Management and Research Center (NDMRC) at KBTH, expressed her appreciation for the Accra Golden Lions Club's charitable efforts.
She mentioned that the renovation of the Center has been ongoing for several years, including the construction of a shed to accommodate patients while awaiting the completion of the facility.
Mr. Alfred Kwame Avorka, President of the Accra Golden Lions Club, stated, "We, as a humanitarian Club, have decided to use this occasion to also raise more funds towards numerous activities, including helping the less privileged."
The Accra Golden Lions Club pleaded it's commitment towards the fight against the increasing prevalence of diabetes and improve the lives of those affected by the disease and also aims to create a more supportive environment for diabetes care and prevention in the country .