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Islamabad:
Awareness of diabetes is the key to control diabetes pandemic in
Pakistan. If proper measures for awareness and treatment are not
adopted, Pakistan may have eighth highest population of diabetic
patients by 2040. Such high prevalence of diabetes calls for continued
efforts to improve public awareness regarding the disease. These views
were expressed by President Mamnoon Hussain while addressing Diabetes
Awareness Walk and Blue-lightening ceremony held at Presidency on 13
November 2016 in commemoration of 25th World Diabetes Day.
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This large-scale event, attended by more than 3000 people from the
Government, diplomatic core, civil society, healthcare institutions,
academia and media,is a collaboration between Novo Nordisk Pakistan and
SZAMBU (PIMS), Islamabad.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Rana Azfar Zafar, General Manager, Novo
Nordisk Pakistan expressed his gratitude to President Mamnoon Hussain
for supporting the initiative by taking a lead in raising awareness on
the importance of a healthier lifestyle to curb the high prevalence of
diabetes in Pakistan. Mr. Azfar shared that “encouraging good habits” is
a lifelong process which needs to start from early age, which is why
Novo Nordisk is making consistent efforts to create public awareness
about diabetes at all levels. He added, “The public must however also
play their part by knowing the risk factors, leading healthy lifestyles
and encouraging others to do so as well. Together, we can promote
healthy communities and protect the future generations of Pakistan,”
said Mr. Azfar.
Professor Javed Akram, Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto
Medical University, Islamabad appreciated the support and participation
of President Mamnoon Hussain on this important subject.
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At the event, President Hussain inaugurated various stalls and
exhibitions displaying information desks and material on diabetes and
conducted a symbolic diabetes walk with the participants to highlight
the importance of exercise. Concluding the event, President switched on
the symbolic blue-light surrounding the Presidency.
Currently, over 7 million people are living with diabetes in Pakistan
while another seven million are on the verge of developing diabetes if
no preventive measures are taken. It is estimated that the number of
diabetic people in Pakistan may reach 14.4 million by 2040. |