Late last year, Diaverum North Macedonia completed a series of initiatives around World Diabetes Day, celebrated annually on 14 November, to highlight the connection between diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
At Diaverum, we actively promote preventive care & patient education as part of our holistic approach to renal care. This includes raising awareness in patients and the communities in which we operate, about healthy lifestyles, early detection, and the management of conditions like diabetes, that can lead to CKD.
This series of initiatives was launched as part of the Memorandum of Cooperation Diaverum North Macedonia signed with the Union of Diabetic Associations of Macedonia in 2023, with the aim of reinforcing their shared vision to improve the quality of life of patients.
Educational Articles
Impactful educational content was produced, leveraging local doctors’ expertise:
- Dr. Sanela Zajkova, a general practitioner from our clinic in Gevgelija, authored a two-part article on the complications of diabetes, with a focus on CKD. This was shared via the Facebook page of the Association of Citizens with Diabetes from Gevgelija, Bogdanci, and Dojran.
- Dr. Ditka Ivanovska, an internal medicine specialist with Diaverum North Macedonia, contributed an article titled “Diabetes and the Connection with CKD” for the website of the Association of Citizens with Diabetes from Skopje.
Educational Presentations and Community Outreach
A series of events was organised across three locations in which we operate clinics, in collaboration with local diabetes societies and medical schools:
- Dr. Ivana Vasileva Todorova, a general practitioner, delivered a presentation at an event organised by the Association of Citizens “Most” at the National University Library in Skopje. This event brought together community members to learn about diabetes and its complications.
- Flyers were distributed during an event organised by the Association of Citizens with Diabetes from Kumanovo in Lipkovo Municipality. These flyers provided information about Diaverum’s ambulance services, encouraging people to pursue check-ups.
- Dr. Marija Trajkovska, a general practitioner, presented on the topic “Diabetes and Complications: CKD” at an event in Kumanovo. Students from the medical school “Nace Bugjoni” actively participated by performing free blood sugar and blood pressure measurements for attendees, contributing to community health.
- Dr. Graciela Kitanovska, a general practitioner at Diaverum Kriva Palanka, delivered a presentation during an event organised by the local Municipality, in collaboration with the Association of Citizens with Diabetes from Kumanovo. In addition, students from the medical school “Gorche Petrov” supported the event by providing free blood sugar and blood pressure checks for attendees.
An extraordinary contribution was made by Frosina Efremovska, Clinic Manager at Diaverum North Macedonia, who provided exceptional logistical and other support for the activities in Kumanovo and Kriva Palanka.
Dimitar Klisarovski, Country Manager for Diaverum North Macedonia, commented:
"Our recent contributions towards diabetes education and awareness have showcased the dedication and expertise of our professionals and collaborators. Each event was well-attended, highlighting the critical role of community-based health education. By combining the knowledge of our professionals with the enthusiasm of medical students and the commitment of local organisations, we successfully raised awareness about diabetes and CKD, enhanced health literacy across communities, and empowered citizens to take proactive steps toward better health. I am truly grateful and extremely proud of everyone who was involved in making these activities a huge success.
“We will continue to provide True care for our communities. Through our collaboration with the Union of Diabetic Associations of Macedonia, I am confident that we can create a positive impact and support every patient."