Salima Lions Clubin diabetes, eye tests

Salima Lions Club on Saturday conducted diabetes and eye tests as a part of commemorating Diabetes Day and raising awareness of the disease to people.

Speaking during the exercise in the district, the club’s vice-president Francis Mbvundula said the activity is part of the club’s charitable projects it conducts worldwide.

He said: “Salima Lions Club is a charitable organisation under Lions Club International and in November we conduct diabetes awareness as one of its projects.

“Today we are conducting diabetes and eye testing in collaboration with Salima District Council and Salima District Hospital. The tests are free of charge.”

Mbvundula said they also gave people information on health-related issues.

He, however, said the only person who was found with higher reading of diabetes was referred to Salima District Hospital for proper management and treatment.

“As part of helping the people with sight problems, we gave people eye medication and glasses,” said Mbvundula.

Salima district principal nutrition officer Chifundo Manong’a commended the Lions Club for the activity.

“It is good to know that the Lions Club is offering the services free of charge which is not the case with most institutions that conduct such tests,” he said.

Rebecca Ndiwate, a beneficiary, said it was important to get tested for diabetes to know one’s status.

She said: “The activity is important for everybody because you know your body status in terms of diabetes and what you are supposed to do or not to do. If your readings are high, it is easy to treat or control it before things get out of hand.

“I have taken all the tests and I have been told what I should do to maintain the readings, which were good for my health.”