Diabetic Footcare Project

Diabetic Footcare Project

A District 1100 Preferred Project

Saving Limbs, Lives and Families

Double click the picture below right on this page to go to the Diabetic Footcare training course pictures and an automatic slideshow in the Photo Gallery section of this site.

Background

Worldwide - in 2010. nearly 4 million deaths in the 20-79 age group were attributable to  diabetes, accounting for 6.8% of all-cause mortality in this age group. The diabetes epidemic is here and threatens to overwhelm health systems if left unchecked.

The incident of diabetes in the Caribbean countries is 20%, double that of the UK. Amputations of the lower limbs as a result of diabetes and poor heathcare provision, causes unnecessary death and poor quality of life, not only for the person involved but also their family and friends.

Objective

The initial objective of the Footcare Project is to train Caribbean doctors and nurses in modern Footcare techniques and skills required to treat the high limb loss and mortality as a result of diabetes. Specifically to:

• Treat foot problems
• Reduce foot amputations
• Raise awareness of diabetes
• Provide sustainability by training other healthcare workers

Participants

Since 2000, Ledbury Rotary Club has coordinated Rotary support for what is now called the 'Diabetic Footcare Project'.

The International Diabetes Federation is a Brussels based, umbrella organisation of over 200 national diabetes associations in over 160 countries.

Progress to date

• Support received from 35 Rotary Clubs in the UK,Caribbean, Canada and the USA.
• Project is run on 12 Caribbean Islands.
• Over 300 doctors and nurses trained; they then train other medics
• 70% reduction in limbs lost
• $305,000 funds raised including 4 matching grants (plus 2 pending)
• District 7030 set up District Diabetes Committee

Additional information

• For project updates: Please visit this page on the Website of The Rotary Club of Ledbury

In June, 2013 a 'Train the Foot Trainers' meeting will be held in Tobago, for which 22 Central American + Caribbean countries have registered delegates.  This project is financed by Ledbury RC, using a Matching Grant from Foundation.  

If you would like to hear more about the project or would like an update presentation, please contact Martin Perry: martin.perry@rm-consult.co.uk