This project was carried out by Mark Anumah Medical Mission in collaboration with the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), and support from the Federal Ministry of Health, the University of Abuja, and the Diabetes Association of Nigeria.

Capacity building and awareness campaigns and sensitization on lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension were done through school workshops once a month in 20 secondary schools, targeting teachers, caterers, students, and parents. This included presentations, group discussions, physical activity, and cooking demonstrations.

Screening was carried out for the teachers and students to identify risk factors for diabetes such as obesity (weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, Blood sugar and blood pressure), family history, and unhealthy lifestyle etc. Print media and radio jingles were run twice a month through the duration of the project to raise awareness among the general Nigerian population. Finally, health clubs were established in these secondary schools.

Results of the Project at completion

• 915 heads of secondary schools, teachers were sensitized on the benefits of physical activity, nutrition, making healthy choices and on the relationship between overweight, obesity and diabetes.
  • Workshops were conducted for 2997 secondary school students, information and education materials on diet, physical activity, obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle diseases were provided.
  • 24,000 parents were empowered on making healthy choices
• 3,912 teachers and students were screened for risk factors for diabetes using anthropometric indices and family history of diabetes.
  • 818 had fasting blood sugars checked.
  • 20 school gardens established
• Sporting equipment given to 20 schools
  • Public awareness conducted: 24 radio jingles, 4 articles on the association between diabetes/NCDs and lifestyles, 6 TV interviews