A Nation in Crisis: 1 in 5 Mauritians Struggles with Diabetes

Diabetes is a growing health crisis that affects millions around the world, and Mauritius is no exception. Alarmingly, one in five Mauritians suffers from this chronic condition, making it imperative for the government to prioritize health initiatives.

In response to the pressing challenges posed by diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Minister of Health Anil Bachoo took a significant step forward by inaugurating a national health promotion initiative on Monday, April 21st, at the SSR Airport in Plaisance.

Minister Bachoo’s address was a clarion call for improved personal health care, emphasizing the importance of early screening as a crucial preventive measure. “I implore the public to undergo early screening to prevent grave health issues,” he stated, highlighting the vital link between a healthy workforce and the country’s productivity.

This new health program, a partnership between the Ministry of Health and airport management agencies, aims to provide employees with complimentary medical screenings, including tests for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, breast and cervical cancer, along with electrocardiograms.

In his remarks, Minister Bachoo expressed his concern over Mauritius’s troubling statistics: the nation leads in NCDs, with significant rates of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems. He revealed that life expectancy has seen a decline from 74.5 to 73.5 years, while NCD-related deaths have surged by 20%.

To address these challenges, the government has allocated an impressive Rs 17 billion toward enhancing the health sector and intends to collaborate with international experts for capacity-building programs that can strengthen national health security.

In light of current concerns surrounding diseases like chikungunya and dengue, Minister Bachoo assured the public that appropriate precautions are in place at the airport to mitigate transmission risks, and awareness-raising educational brochures are being distributed.

Lormus Bundhoo, Director General of Airports of Mauritius Co Ltd (AML), underscored the harsh reality that NCDs are the leading causes of premature death and disability in Mauritius, inflicting economic strain and burdening families. He praised the Ministry’s initiative to deliver health services directly in workplaces and announced plans to extend the program to more organizations nationwide.

“Early screening saves lives,” Bundhoo asserted, emphasizing that such proactive measures can help individuals avoid complications and maintain their productivity in the long run.

Dr. Nishant Nundlall, head of the health promotion and NCD research unit, supported this sentiment, noting that diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are the three leading causes of death in Mauritius. He reiterated the critical importance of prevention and early diagnosis in combating these diseases and improving public health.

Source: Le Mauricien