Mobile Unit brings diabetes screening closer to communities

Access to diabetes screening, prevention and health education across Mauritius will be expanded with the introduction of a Mobile Diabetes Unit donated to Mauritius by UK-based charity Silver Star Diabetes, bringing essential services closer to communities.

The handover ceremony was held today in Ebène in the presence of the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo; the Junior Minister, Mrs Anishta Babooram; and the Founder and Patron of Silver Star Diabetes, Mr Keith Vaz, among other personalities.

Minister Bachoo expressed his appreciation to Silver Star Diabetes for the donation, emphasising the importance of early detection, preventive measures and public awareness in addressing diabetes, which remains a major public health concern in Mauritius.

Citing the National Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Survey 2021, the Minister pointed out that approximately 19.9 per cent of adults aged between 25 and 74 are living with diabetes, representing nearly one in five people in this age group.

He noted that diabetes is a leading cause of death in the country and can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, visual impairment and lower-limb amputations. He also reported a decline in amputation cases following intensified efforts to address the disease.

The Mobile Diabetes Unit will be operated by the Health Promotion Division of the Ministry of Health and Wellness as a dedicated outreach facility. According to the Minister, the unit will bring services closer to communities, facilitate medical assessments and promote health education and healthier lifestyles.

As for Mr Vaz, he reiterated Silver Star Diabetes’ support for Mauritius in tackling diabetes, highlighting the charity’s ongoing efforts to improve access to screening, prevention, education and treatment.

Established in 2007, Silver Star Diabetes is a registered charity dedicated to raising global awareness of diabetes and improving access to diagnosis, prevention, education and care. Although primarily active in the United Kingdom, the organisation has extended its work to countries including India, Bangladesh, Morocco and Tunisia.

To date, the charity has tested more than 70,350 people, referred 4,442 individuals for prediabetes care, supplied 30,000 doses of insulin to children in North Africa and worked with 313 partners worldwide.

15 October 2026

Email: gis@govmu.org

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Topics: Health