Special diabetes programme at UNAM medical school

Merck Serono a division of Merck in Germany last week announced the launch of its Capacity Advancement Programme (CAP) aiming to expand the professional capacity in Africa in the areas of research and development, clinical research, supply-chain integrity and efficiency,
Pharmaco-vigilance, medical education, and community awareness. A special focus area is the management of people with diabetes and prevention of the disease.
By partnering with the UNAM School of Medicine and the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Merck serono will ensure that the CAP initiatives are rolled out and implemented throughout Namibia.
A three-year scientific educational programme in collaboration with UNAM and the health ministry is conducted by the Serono Symposia International Foundation (SSIF), an independent organization providing medical education programmes accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

“The rising number of diabetics all over the world is a call to prioritize diabetes care and awareness to prevent the disease from turning into a national epidemic” said Merck Serono Managing Director, Dr Stefan Oschmann, speaking at the launch in Windhoek. “Through you – the leadership, faculty leaders and students, this programme will seek to improve the healthcare sector not only in Namibia but also throughout Africa. -The CAP will provide critical education and empowerment to those affected and dealing with diabetes to show the way to manage and prevent it. “
Professor Peter Nyarango, Founding Dean of the UNAM School Of Medicine emphasized that: “The University Of Namibia School Of Medicine in particular is delighted and honoured to be part of this initiative. The School of Medicine is a pioneer in health care delivery for Namibia with the intent to turn out highly skilled health professionals for the country and Africa as a whole.
Professor Isaac O. Kibwage, Principal of the College of Health Sciences University of Nairobi said: “Nairobi University is ready to support initiatives such as Merck Serono’s Capacity Advancement Programme and associate with other institutions whose overall objectives and goals are directed towards alleviating challenges in the provision of healthcare especially emerging diseases such as Diabetes.
Professor C Opio, Senior Lecturer at Makerere University said: “We are happy with our PPP with Merck Serono to implement their capacity advancement program in Uganda and Makerere University to support diabetes health care. This programme will contribute to provide accredited scientific education for diabetes health care providers in rural areas and Clinical Diabetes management for medical undergraduates of local African universities so that, ultimately, they act as Diabetes ambassadors.”