MEDICAL SUPPORT FELLOWSHIP (M.S.F.)

Philippines comes #11 in number of fatalities due to hypertension. Diabetes is the 4th most deadly disease, with 3.5 million cases in 2015. These 2 chronic diseases can cause other serious health issues, especially in urban poor communities. Besides a lack of knowledge about the disease, other risk factors such as diet, limited options for food, obesity, lack of physical activity, and smoking and drinking alcohol contribute to a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes. Even if they do receive local diagnosis and prescription of maintenance medication, compliance to medication is poor because of their financial situation and the inaccessibility of nearby health facilities. BL MSF, in partnership with Medical and Dental mission teams, came up with the idea of tracking and supporting people diagnosed with hypertension and type 2 Diabetes.