The urgency of Diabetes testing and screening under COVID-19
Ruth Walker Jiyani is a Cohort 10 YALI RLC SA Alumnus. Diagnosed with diabetes 25 years ago, Ruth felt compelled to advocate and raise awareness about diabetes in Malawi and founded the Jiya-Vannie Diabetic Foundation — JDF in November 2012. Across the country, approximately 9% of the populations are known to suffer from the disease and that is only amongst those people who have been screened.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruth recognizes there is urgency for those with diabetes to be tested and screened because according to the World Health Organisation, individuals with underlying chronic health conditions such as diabetes are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
In May, Ruth embarked on an ambitious campaign to raise $10 000 towards testing, screening and raising awareness about diabetes. Thus far, the $1 campaign has raised $560. Through Jiya-Vannie Diabetic Foundation — JDF, Ruth calls on you to donate just $1 or more towards JDF’s diabetes awareness campaigns in Malawi.
