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Kitui County on Friday renewed its push against rising cases of diabetes, launching an intensive community awareness drive that placed residents at the center of prevention and early screening efforts. The initiative, marked by a vibrant World Diabetes Day walk led by Public Health Chief Officer Lynn Kitwan, drew hundreds of health workers, CHPs, and KMTC students into the streets of Kitui Town.
Rather than merely commemorating the day, this year’s event focused on strengthening community responsibility and encouraging residents to adopt healthier lifestyles. The procession wound through the town’s busiest streets, turning the morning into a mobile classroom on diabetes prevention.
Addressing the members of press , Chief Officer Kitwan reiterated that early detection remains the strongest defense against diabetes-related complications, which continue to affect many families silently. She urged residents to make use of free screening services available across all county health facilities.
“Every resident should take screening seriously because it is offered freely in every health center,” Kitwan said. “Knowing your status early is not just important it can literally save your life.”
Kitwan emphasized that many individuals live with diabetes unknowingly until the disease advances, making constant awareness and outreach necessary. She noted that the county is scaling up public education campaigns to ensure communities understand how lifestyle choices influence their health.
The Chief Officer also highlighted the long-term dangers of untreated diabetes, including kidney damage, blindness, and limb amputations, saying the county’s renewed health interventions aim to prevent such outcomes.
She thanked the health workers, community health promoters, and partners who took part in the event, stressing that their contributions were vital in building a healthier Kitui. “Our mission is to ensure every household is empowered with information from recognizing early symptoms to knowing when to seek help,” she said.
With lifestyle diseases on the rise nationwide, the county hopes that sustained awareness campaigns such as Friday’s walk will drive more residents toward preventive care and regular checkups.
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