An MP in the National Assembly says a Diabetes Control Clinic has been opened in Juba to offer free voluntary testing and counseling on the disease.

It is being funded by the World Diabetes Foundation.

The establishment of the clinic is part of efforts to combat the disease. Diabetes is said to be a global threat. The WHO estimates that 422 million people are suffering from it.

The figure is not known in South Sudan, but it is also believed to be worrying.

Constant Yak, a Member of Parliament representing Wau state, urged the public to go and check for diabetes.

“It is potentially active intervention to ensure that individuals who are having undiagnosed diabetes, or at risk of developing diabetes, are assessed and educated for better understanding,” Hon Yak said.

A recent report by the World Health Organization says most of the diabetes cases are in the developing countries.