Mobilizing for the Lilongwe Diabetes Peer Support Programme in Malawi

Abstract

Diabetes has become a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in
Malawi but there are shortages of drug supply and healthcare providers
to support quality care and treatment. Diabetes self-management support
is necessary to improve patient outcomes, and peer support has gained
acceptance as a solution for improving diabetes self-management. In this
programme summary, we describe the components and facilitators essential
to implementing a diabetes peer support programme in Lilongwe,
Central Malawi. Peer support has the potential to play a key role for the
Ministry of Health in the development of the 2011-2026 health sector
strategic plan, which addresses diabetes and non-communicable diseases.