In celebration of World Diabetes Day, pharmaceutical company Sanofi hosted a free health screening for locals at the Calvary Methodist Church on 24 November.
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.
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 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.
“What we are trying to do, as Sanofi, is not only to develop medicine but also to help people to avoid getting ill.”
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.
“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.”
Details: www.sanofi.com
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