Pediatric Diabetes Workshop: A Resounding Success

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Under the directive of Dr. I. Ticklay and Certified Diabetes Educator Tinotenda Dzikiti, the Pediatric Diabetes Workshop was held with immense success. This event, supported by Public Relations facilitators from Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals—Leona Matope and Paul Nyambabvu—and featuring an array of distinguished speakers, brought together a vibrant and engaged audience of over 110 participants. Our esteemed speakers included Dr. P. Matyanga-Mureriwa, Dr. T. Siwela, Dr. T. Gomo, Mrs. Pfumbi, and diabetes advocates Yemurai Machirori, Rufaro Gororo, and Heather Koga, along with the SolidarMed team: NCD nurses. Joyline Chihota, Ruth Hlongwane, Annastacia Makudo, Judah Mapope and Unity Maziti. This collaborative effort truly embodied our theme of “Empowering Families Living with Type 1 Diabetes.”

Some of the Facilitators

Highlighting Key Sessions

Dr. Prisca Mureriwa’s session on understanding type 1 and type 2 diabetes was both comprehensive and engaging. She not only elucidated the differences between the two types but also highlighted the significance of regular HbA1c testing, a crucial metric for managing diabetes effectively. Her ability to involve the audience in active participation transformed her session into an interactive learning experience, setting the tone for the workshop.

Dr. Prisca Matyanga-Mureriwa

Jayden Batmeo, a young panel speaker, shared his inspiring story of early diagnosis in late 2023. His narrative emphasized the importance of early screening, as evidenced by his stable HbA1c levels, which have remained below 5.7%. Jayden’s story is a testament to the power of early intervention and continuous management, serving as a beacon of hope for fellow T1Ds and their families.

Mrs. Pfumbi, caregiver to a 2-year-old diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 18 months, offered a poignant look into the daily challenges faced by parents of young children with diabetes. Her emotional account highlighted the relentless, hands-on nature of diabetes management and resonated deeply with all parents present. She underscored the need for comprehensive support systems to aid caregivers in this demanding journey.

Mrs. Pfumbi

Yemurai Machirori, a diabetes advocate and panel speaker, has been a stalwart in the field of diabetes advocacy since her diagnosis in 2004. Her session was particularly inspiring as she shared her journey of living with type 1 diabetes for nearly two decades. Yemurai emphasized the importance of peer support and community engagement, demonstrating how advocacy can bring about meaningful change and provide hope to those affected.

Global Advocate Yemurai Machirori

Dr. Gomo, a Specialist Physician with a profound interest in diabetes, delivered a compelling session that featured real-life case studies from his practice. He highlighted the critical importance of adherence to prescribed medications and regular check-ups to prevent long-term complications. His powerful message was underscored by the slogan, “If we do the right things at the right time, we will get the right results,” emphasizing a proactive approach to diabetes management.

DR. Tonderai Gomo

Expert Insights and Practical Guidance

Our Guest of Honor, Dr. Tsitsi Siwela, the NCD Focal Person from WHO Zimbabwe, provided invaluable insights into WHO’s strategies for NCDs in Zimbabwe. She acknowledged the complexity of type 1 diabetes and stressed the necessity of raising awareness and supporting initiatives like our workshop. Dr. Siwela emphasized WHO’s ongoing support for such programs, underscoring their commitment to improving health outcomes for people with diabetes.

Dr. Tsitsi Siwela, NCD Focal Person, WHO Zimbabwe

Dr. Prisca Mureriwa also expressed gratitude to the LFAC program for their generous donations of essential diabetes supplies, including medication, glucometers, strips, and insulin syringes. She highlighted the UNICEF-Eli Lilly project, which aims to strengthen Zimbabwe’s health system for people living with NCDs, particularly diabetes, by providing crucial support and resources.

SolidarMed, a key collaborator, plays a pivotal role in implementing the PEN-Plus initiative in Zimbabwe. This initiative offers free consultations, treatments, and medication for severe NCDs in Masvingo province. Sr. Joyline Chihota from SolidarMed shared their efforts to alleviate the burden on people living with type 1 diabetes and highlighted their support during the workshop, providing crucial testing kits for diabetes and blood pressure for all participants.

Sr. Joyline, Sr. Annastacia, and Judah from SolidarMed

Engaging Breakout Sessions

One of the most impactful segments of our workshop was the breakout session. Participants were divided into four groups, facilitated by diabetes advocates and nurses. These practical sessions covered essential topics such as injection techniques, hypoglycemia treatment, peer support, and other crucial aspects of managing type 1 diabetes. The interactive format allowed participants to ask questions and receive personalized guidance, enhancing their understanding and management of the condition.

Breakout sessions led by Advocates & Nurses

Inspirational Stories

 Advocate Rufaro Gororo, living with type 1 diabetes for over 19 years, shared her inspiring journey as a mother expecting her fourth child. Her story highlighted that people with diabetes can achieve their dreams and lead fulfilling lives. Rufaro discussed managing menstrual cycles and related issues and impressed the audience with her recent HbA1c below 5.5%. Her session provided practical tips and emotional support, particularly for women and young girls living with diabetes.

Advocate Rufaro Gororo

Heather Koga, living with type 2 diabetes for over 10 years, emphasized the importance of peer support. She shared how belonging to support groups has significantly impacted her diabetes management and provided a sense of community and motivation. Heather’s experience underscored the value of shared experiences and mutual support in managing diabetes.

Advocate Heather Koga

Closing and Acknowledgments

Ambassador Tinotenda Dzikiti concluded the workshop with a heartfelt vote of thanks. He expressed deep gratitude to the participants for their attendance and to the speakers for their dedication. He gave a special shout-out to #dedoc° for their sponsorship, which covered refreshments and logistics, and to SolidarMed for providing essential testing kits. Each participant was left with a basic diabetes booklet compiled by Belinda Moore, containing vital information to aid in their diabetes management.

Global Advocate Tinotenda Dzikiti

Conclusion

The Pediatric Diabetes Workshop was a resounding success, thanks to the collective effort and dedication of all involved. The workshop not only met but exceeded our objectives of empowering families living with type 1 diabetes. The involvement of diverse stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, advocates, caregivers, and international organizations, enriched the discussions and provided a holistic approach to diabetes management. This event has strengthened our community, provided valuable insights, and laid the groundwork for future initiatives. We look forward to continuing our work and building on this incredible momentum.