Tina Amanda
The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo has emphasized on the need to run free antenatal care to help in sustaining and upscaling universal screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).
The Deputy Governor who made the remark during a Gestational Diabetes Webinar and End of Project Dissemination meeting, organised by the state Medical Women Association (MWAN), said every pregnant woman is at risk of developing type 2 Diabetes without proper Antenatal care.
According to her, Universal screening helps more women to be screened for Gestational Diabetes than the selective screening, adding that the state health insurance scheme has carried out its public hearing.
“The significance of universal screening cannot be overemphasized, more women are diagnosed by universal screening. Where antenatal care is free and encouraged, there is possibility of sustaining universal screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
“Ultimately this will give a better maternal and foetal outcome and improve maternal and neonatal and child health indices for the state and the nation.
“The Rivers State health insurance scheme has passed its public hearing, the government had given free access to antiretroviral care to all pregnant clients and with the health insurance scheme, I am sure all barriers to accessing antenatal care will be removed as a measure to upscale universal screening for GMD and also improve health indices for our women and children.
“This project has been going on for a while in Rivers State. I sincerely acknowledge and appreciate the role and way the Medical Women Association has handled it right from the onset.
‘The advocacy and sensitization they have been undertaking to build capacity for communities and individuals to adopt behavioural change in line with the COVID 19 public health advisories by NCDC and WHO is commendable”
On her part, Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and the Project Director, Professor Rosemary Ogu, emphasised the importance of antenatal clinic for every pregnant woman in order to know their Gestational Diabetes status as it has become a huge global concern.
“Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is a global health priority affecting most pregnant women worldwide. When you notice glucose intolerance or when you notice high blood glucose concentration during pregnancy, it is called Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
“A woman can have Diabetes in pregnancy or prior to pregnancy, so when a woman gets pregnant, she already knows she has diabetes. Ensure all pregnant women are tested for hyperglycemia using blood sugar test”
Our correspondent Tina Amanda reports that the State President, Medical Women Association, Dr Vetty Agala, presented the end of project report for Dissemination of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus from Medical Women Association to the Deputy Governor, Policy Makers and other stakeholders present at the meeting.
