Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: In April 2019 a team of healthcare professionals took a group of young people with type 1 Diabetes to Botswana for a healthcare partnership project with Diabetes Botswana. The trip included a joint diabetes youth camp and the delivery of Botswana’s first ever Diabetes Educational Symposium.

Objectives: The primary aim of the project was to provide a reciprocal learning experience for the management of type 1 diabetes for healthcare professionals across Botswana. The secondary aim was to develop a partnership between British and Batswana health care professionals and young people leading to shared knowledge, peer mentorship and an ongoing healthcare relationship.

Description: A team of young people and staff were selected through an application process. The team consisted of 12 young people from 15 to 19 years old with type 1 diabetes. The staff team was made up of the diabetes network manager, 9 healthcare professionals, 1 parent and 1 volunteer. The team attended a camp run by Diabetes Botswana, this provided the opportunity to spend time with Batswana young people with type 1 diabetes. The camp included education sessions and a time of reflection and discussion. The young people found this an enriching experience and enjoyed meeting people from a different culture who had a shared understanding of living as a young person with type 1 diabetes. The Diabetes Educational Symposium was a 3 day educational meeting. The opening ceremony was attended by the British High Commissioner and the Minister of Health and Wellness for Botswana. The Batswana and British young people spoke about life with type 1 diabetes. The symposium consisted of plenary sessions and small group teaching. Each British healthcare professional was joined by a Batswana healthcare professional to assist with group facilitation and application to local practice. The symposium was attended by over 150 healthcare professionals from all over Botswana.

Conclusion: The partnership project met its aims and objectives and has paved the way for a longterm relationship and future educational events between our regional diabetes network and Diabetes Botswana.