In Suriname there is a large group of people with diabetes. One of the major complications of these patients is heart and vascular disease and therefore screening of this group is essential. At Laduani and Gujaba - 2 villages in the hinterland of Suriname - the Rotary Club of Paramaribo has collaborated with the Medical Mission Primary Health Care Suriname on a project called Cardiovascular Screening of Diabetic Patients.
On the 11th and 12th of October 2019, this medical screening was done for the first time ever in the villages of Laduani and Gujaba. Fellow Rotarian Michelle Hollum, a cardiologist from the Rotary Club of Paramaribo, assisted by other members and the Medical Mission Primary Health Care Suriname, examined 36 diabetic patients. The screening team performed an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram and blood testing on glucose, kidney function and cholesterol.
A large majority of the patients had more than three risk factors for cardiovascular disease and abnormalities on the electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. Treatment and advice was given for reducing the incidence of vascular complication in this group of patients due to diabetes.
This project was inspired by District 7030 Governor Trevor Blake who made diabetes screening and prevention one of his focus points for the 2019-2020 Rotary year.
The Rotary Club of Paramaribo is satisfied with the positive results of this project and will aim to make it a recurring project.