Mobilizing for the Lilongwe Diabetes Peer Support Programme in Malawi

Diabetes has become a significant cause of morbidity and mortality inMalawi but there are shortages of drug supply and healthcare providersto support quality care and treatment. Diabetes self-management supportis necessary to improve patient outcomes, and peer support has gainedacceptance as a solution for improving diabetes self-management. In thisprogramme summary, we describe the components and facilitators essentialto implementing a diabetes peer support programme in Lilongwe,Central Malawi. Peer support has the potential to play a key role for theMinistry of Health in the development of the 2011-2026 health sectorstrategic plan, which addresses diabetes and non-communicable diseases