To mark this year’s World Diabetes Day, the Diabetes Management Resource Centre (DMRC) will recognise  five top nurses in Kenya who have shown sustained, outstanding performance and contributions to diabetic patients care delivery.

Top nurses across the country who have gone over and above their duty to help and support Kenyans with diabetes to effectively manage the condition will be celebrated through a special recognition campaign dubbed ‘Nurses Make The Difference’.

Already, Jane Gitahi of  Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Gladys Chesire of Nakuru Provincial Hospital, Joyce Mbugua of Thika Level 5 Hospital, Nerea M’ Mbolo of Jaralam Medical, and Merolyne Adhiambo of MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi have been nominated and voted for by DMRC members.

“Members who nominated the above nurses praised them for their selflessness, kindness, knowledge, and experience in managing diabetes, supportive and available on phone 24/7, great family counselors, excellent listeners, among many other positive attributes,” said DMRC founder Duncun Motanya.

The celebrations will be held during World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2020.

The day marks the birthday of Frederick Banting, who—together with Charles Best and John James Macleod—first conceived the idea that led to the discovery of insulin in 1922.

World Diabetes Day aims to engage millions of people globally in diabetes awareness.

Motanya said the initiative would be a great way of motivating nurses to give selfless services to their patients.

“Having nurses who give continuous support to patients and employ an inclusive model will not only make it easier to control diabetes, but it will also increase diabetes awareness,” he said.

He added, “For a long time, the nurse’s role has been side-lined, yet they play a crucial role in the diabetes management multidisciplinary team. I am happy the International Diabetes Federation recognises the special role played by nurses.”

He urged the government to also invest in training the nurses to offer specialised care, management, and treatment of non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes, which is lacking in most facilities.