Locals take advantage of a free health check-up

MIDRAND – Pharmaceutical company Sanofi brought free health screenings to the Midrand community on 24 November.

November 29, 2019

Andrei van Wyk 1 minute read

Zanele and Faith Jiane of Apothecary Table sell their health products. Photo: Andrei van Wyk

In celebration of World Diabetes Day, pharmaceutical company Sanofi hosted a free health screening for locals at the Calvary Methodist Church on 24 November.

Veli Mfetane and Ntsikie Mgayiya. *Photo: Andrei van Wyk*

The free screening gave local residents the opportunity to receive screenings for various ailments including diabetes and HIV/Aids, while additionally giving them the opportunity to check their blood pressure and cholesterol. The event follows Sanofi’s #Diabetesyourtype campaign which the company established in order to educate residents about diabetes – the causes, types and how treat the illness if diagnosed.

Masechaba Mutloatse and Simphiwe Mabuza at the health screening. *Photo: Andrei van Wyk*

Flora Maki Molotsi gets her diabetes screening. *Photo: Andrei van Wyk*

As part of the social media campaign, the company encourages people diagnosed with diabetes to discuss their journey with others and give guidance and education to those who need it.

Head of communications at Sanofi Prudence Selane. Photo: Andrei van Wyk

Lerato Leboho has her blood pressure tested. *Photo: Andrei van Wyk*

Head of communications at Sanofi Prudence Selane said that the company wanted residents to get tested and screened, but also have in depth discussion about their health with representatives at the event. She emphasised the need for the company to bring the opportunity to be screened for diabetes to community. “Many people delay the opportunity to go to the clinic or don’t have time so we want to go to the clinic. So we found it important to bring the opportunity to the community.

#Diabetesyourtype ambassador Howza shares his experience living with diabetes. *Photos: Andrei van Wyk*

“What we are trying to do, as Sanofi, is not only to develop medicine but also to help people to avoid getting ill.”

Midrand residents at the diabetes screening. Photo: Andrei van Wyk

The event saw #Diabetesyourtype ambassador, actor and rapper Howza sharing his experience living with diabetes for 15 years. “This campaign is extremely important given the stats that are out there of how many people are actually suffering from diabetes. It makes no sense for us to only focus on World Diabetes Month to create awareness. Many know the name but they don’t know the full details.

Jeanette Radebe and Joe Leboho wait to get their health check.

“We are encouraging people to get tested and [learn] how to treat it properly… We also want to break the stigma behind diabetes and to create dialogue and to give everyone a better understanding.”