Award winning Kenyan female artist Wahu Kagwi has been appointed the ambassador of a Diabetes Health Campaign dubbed “Project Embrace”.

The 3 year campaign by LifeScan, a Johnson and Johnson company,’ seeks to reach 5 million families by 2018 across the continent by enhancing awareness, financial and geographical access, and promoting accurate testing.

“People lack information about diabetes and how to manage the condition especially in the rural areas. It’s unfortunate that many Kenyans are unaware of their diabetic status and seek treatment when the condition has advanced.” She expressed

This campaign is close to her heart as her mother is diabetic. She also lost her grandmother, an aunty and a close friend to Diabetes.

As a caregiver, she has experienced first hand the challenges diabetics go through and is ready to support the cause by creating awareness to ensure people get the information they require about the condition.

“Anyone can get diabetes and therefore it is advisable that you check your blood sugar levels regularly, save a life today,” Wahu urged.

With the tagline ‘Simple touches, better life, LifeScan’s campaign is encouraging people to embrace healthy living through their Lamasat family support program which has been developed around 4 C’s, Check blood sugar regularly, Control the highs and lows of glucose levels, Consume healthy food and Care for yourself by exercising and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

As it stands, Kenya is amongst top 6 countries including Ghana, Nigeria, DRC, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia, with the highest number of diabetics in Africa.

The initiative also comes in the wake of warnings that the numbers of those suffering from diabetes are projected to double in 20 years if nothing impactful is done.

LifeScan’s goal is to improve patients’ outcomes. For people living with diabetes in Kenya and their families, it is vital they understand when their diabetes is well controlled; the quality of life will also improve.