PAHO Representative expresses concern over high rate of amputation among males in Dominican

PAHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dr. Godfrey Xuereb, expresses his concern over the high rate of amputation among males in Dominican. He made remarks to that effect at the Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) Annual General Meeting (AGM), on Wednesday. He said although the rate of amputation has generally decreased from 2010 to 2014, men remain an area of concern. DOMDA observed their AGM under the theme: “Waste the Waist.”
 
Xuereb stated, “I think one of the biggest targets we should be looking at is men… We have too many men suffering from amputations as a consequence of diabetes and high blood pressure.” He added “What is worrying is that the data shows these amputations are happening at a young age, with quite a large number occurring in the age group 45 to 54. This is the productive motor of the economy and the country. If that group is not productive, then the whole country is not productive.”
 
He encouraged men, and all who are vulnerable to complications, to take all the preventative measures necessary, and to seek regular health check-ups. Xuereb also highlighted the need to ensure that service is promptly accessible to those in need.
 
Meanwhile, DOMDA President Marvlyn Birmingham underscored the sharp increase in lower limb amputations due to diabetes, questioning whether amputation was beginning to take precedence over treatment.
 
Birmingham suggested that a system be established to facilitate prompt attention to “diabetic foot problem.” The association continues to focus on promoting wellness, building self-management capacity among the population, working collaboratively with other organizations in the fight against Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.