Kenya marked World Diabetes Day with a three-day free health screening programme for diabetes and thyroid-related conditions.
The programme concluded on the sidelines of the 10th Annual Lions Diabetes Symposium, highlighting the importance of early detection and regular health checks in addressing non-communicable diseases.
The screening initiative was conducted through Merck’s ThyroAfrica programme and included Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) tests to help identify potential thyroid disorders, as well as Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) tests to assess blood sugar levels for supporting diabetes detection and management.
Speaking during the screening activation at Lion’s Hospital, Dr. Rilwan Adan, Physician and Diabetologist, and Head of the Lions Diabetes Care Centre in Nairobi, emphasised the importance of screening for both diabetes and thyroid disorders, noting that the two conditions can coexist and should not be considered in isolation.
“When screening for one condition, it is important to screen for the other as well, because thyroid disorders and diabetes can occur together. Taking an integrated approach to screening helps promote early detection and more comprehensive care”, said Dr. Rilwan.
She further highlighted the importance of community-based screening, noting that despite the increasing incidence of diabetes and thyroid disorders, many cases remain undiagnosed for extended periods, partly due to limited routine health checks and low health-seeking behaviour.