Merck steps up thyroid and diabetes screening in Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 14 – More than 500 people were targeted for free diabetes and thyroid screening in Nairobi as Kenya marked World Diabetes Day through a three-day health campaign…
Nairobi, Kenya – A three-day health campaign in Nairobi, marking World Diabetes Day, saw over 500 people targeted for free diabetes and thyroid screening at Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital in Loresho. This programme, part of Merck’s ThyroAfrica initiative, ran in conjunction with the 10th Annual Lions Diabetes Symposium. Participants underwent TSH tests for thyroid disorders and HbA1c tests to gauge blood sugar levels, aiding in the early detection and management of both conditions.
Dr. Rilwan Adan, a diabetologist and leader of the Lions Diabetes Care Centre in Nairobi, emphasized the need for integrated screening, as the two ailments often coexist but are frequently overlooked due to insufficient routine testing and limited public awareness. She stressed the importance of community-based screening to reach individuals who might otherwise delay seeking medical care until symptoms become severe.
"An integrated approach to screening promotes early detection and more comprehensive care," Dr. Adan stated. Merck’s General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, John Ndeti, highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to boost awareness and access to testing for non-communicable diseases. He cited a previous screening at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Mwea, where 147 individuals were screened, comprising 46 for thyroid disorders and 101 for diabetes.
Ndeti called on Kenyans to prioritize regular health checks over waiting for symptoms to manifest. Since its inception in April 2025, Merck’s ThyroAfrica programme, in collaboration with various stakeholders, aims to enhance awareness, bolster diagnostic capabilities, and expand access to thyroid testing and treatment. Additionally, the programme seeks to improve healthcare professionals' skills in identifying thyroid disorders at the primary care level and enhance data collection for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The public can also utilize a free two-minute ThyroidAware symptom checker to evaluate their risk of thyroid disorders and seek timely medical assistance.
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