title: Mobilizing for the Lilongwe Diabetes Peer Support Programme in Malawi.
abstract: Diabetes has become a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Malawi but there are shortages of drug supply and healthcare providers to support quality care and treatment. Diabetes self-management support is necessary to improve patient outcomes, and peer support has gained acceptance as a solution for improving diabetes self-management. In this programme summary, we describe the components and facilitators essential to implementing a diabetes peer support programme in Lilongwe, Central Malawi. Peer support has the potential to play a key role for the Ministry of Health in the development of the 2011-2026 health sector strategic plan, which addresses diabetes and non-communicable diseases.
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Bui
authors.affiliation: Kamuzu Central Hospital.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kadzakumanja
authors.affiliation: Kamuzu Central Hospital.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Munthali
mesh_terms: D003150:Community Health Workers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003376:Counseling; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008295:Malawi; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010379:Peer Group; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support