AG supports medical capacity building in post-Revolutionary Libya. Our current focus is on diabetes and heart disease. An estimated 60% of Libyans over the age of 40 have some form of diabetes and/or heart disease, which combined are a leading cause of death. We support testing, public outreach, and institutional partnerships. To date, we have helped test over 5,000 individuals, and awareness campaigns have reached more than 200,000 individuals. 2013 targets: 20,000 tested and double outreach.
42 years of authoritarian rule has contributed to the rise of diabetes and heart disease, though the lack of quality general education, poor diet, a lack of awareness of risk factors, and few diagnostics centers: An estimated 1/3 of Libyans from age 40-60 have diabetes, 2/3 are clinically obese, 1/3 have very high cholesterol. Heart disease is the #1 mortality factor. Despite these statistics-- and because of current climate--relative few resources are available.
Through messaging, public (and clinic-based) blood testing and consults in high-traffic areas (such as markets and airports), and family and neighbor-based awareness and support groups, Avicenna and local partners are confident we can make a noticeable impact in general awareness and management of cardiac disease and diabetes.
Expected long term benefits from this campaign (and others like it), include a lower mortality rate, better general health maintenance among the general population, and more effective testing and treatment.
Grassroots health education is critical to Libya's moving forward as a healthy, engaged member of the world community. Cardiac and endocrine diseases are among the greatest killers in Libya today.
- Dr. Issam Hajjaji, Head of Libyan Diabetes Association
Total Funding Received to Date: $8,656
Remaining Goal to be Funded: $21,344
Total Funding Goal: $30,000
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