Suriname Launches National Training Program to Prevent Diabetes Amputations
Suriname’s Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport launched a national training program on October 29 and 30, 2026, to train roughly 140 frontline healthcare workers in standardized diabetic foot screening, Culturu reported. The initiative aims to catch diabetes-related foot complications early and curb preventable amputations across the country.
Standardized Screening for Nurses and Doctors
The training sessions took place in the auditorium of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (MVWA). The program targets nurses and physicians working in primary care settings. It operates as part of the national HEARTS standards for integrated hypertension and diabetes care. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is supporting the nationwide rollout, which NCT-HEARTS and the ministry are jointly organizing.
Health officials designed the curriculum to address a major systemic challenge. Patients frequently seek treatment only after their condition reaches an advanced stage with severe infections. Early detection remains rare in routine care, which often leads to avoidable amputations. The new program bridges this gap by strengthening the clinical and educational expertise of frontline providers.
Sims Classification and Referral Criteria
Participants who successfully complete the course acquire specific diagnostic and patient-education skills. They learn to conduct methodical foot screenings using the Sims classification system. Clinicians also practice applying national referral criteria to route high-risk patients to secondary care promptly.
Beyond clinical exams, the training provides tools for patient counseling. Providers learn how to educate patients on preventive foot care and self-management, a concept known as Healthy Foot Behavior. Standardizing these protocols across all primary care facilities ensures a uniform national approach to identifying risk factors before irreversible tissue damage occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which organizations are organizing the training program in Suriname?
The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and NCT-HEARTS are organizing the nationwide program, with support from the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO).
How many healthcare workers will complete the certification?
The initiative aims to train and certify approximately 140 frontline nurses and doctors across the country.
What specific diagnostic method are participants taught to use?
Participants learn to perform methodical foot screenings according to the Sims classification system.
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