The Fight Against Diabetes
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) are collaborating to fight against diabetes, a growing epidemic worldwide. The project, “Promote Early Prevention and Better Management of Diabetes Complications,” is a comprehensive diabetes and diabetic retinopathy care project reaching six regions in the southeastern European country of Georgia. The 2.5-year effort is co-funded by WDF and LCIF, as well as by local in-kind supporters. LCIF and WDF are both proudly contributing US$215,000 toward the project.
Free Screenings Play Significant Role
With help from nearby Lions and local partners, the project will establish centers for diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy, and provide eye screenings and diabetic foot care. A mobile diabetes unit will reach remote areas of Georgia. Screenings at these centers will provide services at no cost, and treatment of diabetes complications will be of no cost for socially vulnerable population groups.
Partnering Up for Prevention
“WDF creates global and local partnerships that assist people with diabetes and those at risk for the disease,” says Leif Fenger Jensen, WDF managing director. “Our goal is to enhance access to care and prevent complications from diabetes, especially among the most vulnerable and poor populations.
“Our partnership with LCIF is a prime example of how two foundations with a global outreach can join forces and resources. Together, we are supporting a locally owned project in Georgia that is enhancing diabetes care and reducing the burden of diabetic retinopathy as a complication of diabetes.”
To learn more about how LCIF is empowering Lions to fight the global epidemic of diabetes, visit lionsclubs.org/campaign100.
Jamie Konigsfeld is a marketing content specialist at Lions Clubs International Foundation.
