BRAZZAVILLE, 28 August 2008 (IRIN) - A campaign to test for the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, considered as growing causes of mortality in the Republic of Congo (ROC), has been launched in the main cities of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.

"Many Congolese are affected but are ignorant of their status," Arsène Niamba, the secretary general of local NGO L'Association Demain le Congo (ADC) said during the launch of the campaign, which will run until 30 August.

At least 60 percent of the four million people in ROC live in the cities of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.

Niamba said diabetes and hypertension were significant contributors to mortality. Malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis are the leading causes of death in the Congo.

Most of the affected lack access to adequate treatment, Niamba said. At least 2,000 people will be tested in Brazzaville. Those who test positive will receive care from ADC.

According to Ministry of Health director general Damase Bozongo, screening records from the campaign will also help determine the number of people affected by the two diseases in the country. Statistics on the number of people affected by diabetes and hypertension in the Congo are currently unavailable.

Bozongo said at least seven percent of the people screened in a sample of 3,000 in April had tested positive.

The campaign is led by a team of three health specialists from the University of Lille, France, as well as specially trained local nurses. The campaign is also providing therapeutic education to the population as well as sensitising them on healthier eating habits.

Hypertension and diabetes, which are chronic hereditary diseases, are some of the leading causes of blindness, cardiovascular conditions, dialysis and amputations.

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