Malawi lawmakers Bande, Chibingu are diabetes ambassadors
Diabetes Association of Malawi (DAM) has appointed two parliamentarians as diabetes ambassadors travelled to attend world parliamentary champions for diabetes forum and launch of parliamentary champions for diabetes group in Melbourne, Australia.
The parliamentarians John Bande, who is also minister of Mining and Paul Chibingu who is chairperson Health committee in parliament are expected to champion messages on diabetes in the country once they are back from the three day conference.
DAM president Timothy Ntambalika said diabetes rate in the country is high and it needs vigorous sensitisation and that can only be achieved if law makers are involved.
“We identified Chibungu because he is currently the chairperson of the health committee in parliament. As for Hon Bande, he is the only parliamentarian who has shown interest in diabetes issues by offering various assistances and also his dedication in his constituency inspired us,” said Ntambalika.
He further said the meeting in Australia attracts parliamentarians who are active on issues of diabetes and other health related issues in their countries.
“The objective of the meeting is to have the parliamentarians help us spread the message of diabetes to the communities. It is only through them that we believe the message will spread fast.
“We also expect that once these MPs are back from the trip, they should be able to present issues discussed there to the State President, so that the government can also help us in publicising the disease,” he said.
Mtambalika said for the past years people with diabetes have been stigmatised and it is hoped that once Malawians get the proper message on the disease, the stigmatisation will stop.
On his part Bande said he was pleased with the appointment and said he will continue to assist in the health sector.
He said as a parliamentarian it is his duty to make sure that people in his constituency live a healthy life.
“As an ambassador, I will now have to go beyond my constituency and am ready to do that. Since 2005, my constituency has seen construction of numerous health clinics and introduction of safe motherhood projects.”
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