Campaign for World Diabetes Day

The Community Nursing Service within the Ministry of Health and the Environment, in collaboration with the National Diabetic and Hypertensive Association, joins with the International Diabetes Federation and the rest of the world in celebrating World Diabetes Day 2009.{{more}} This is being held under the theme: Diabetes Education and Prevention and Campaign Slogan: Understand Diabetes and Take Control.

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14th to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1992. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness.

World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes now poses. It became an official United Nations Day in 2007 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. World Diabetes Day campaign addresses issues facing the global diabetes community. The disease imposes life-long demands on the 250 million people now living with diabetes and their families.

In addition, IDF estimates that over 300 million people worldwide are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented in the many cases by helping and encouraging those at risk to maintain a healthy weight and take regular exercise.

The week of activities will be celebrated from November 8-14, 2009.

List of Events

Sunday 8th

• Radio Address – Hon Dr. Douglas Slater – Minister of Health and the Environment

• Church Service, District Level

• Views on Issues Program

Monday 9th

• Open Day at Health Centres

• Visits to Shut-ins (Diabetic & Hypertensive’s)

• Health Word on NBC Radio

Tuesday 10th

• Symposium for Diabetics, Hypertensive’s and Care givers, District Level

• Health word on NBC Radio

Wednesday 11th

• Workshop for District Nurses and Ward Sisters

• Health word on NBC Radio

Thursday 12th

• Fun day, boat ride to Bequia

• Health word on NBC Radio

Friday 13th

• Screening and health education sessions at schools and workplaces (District Level, Kingstown)

Saturday 14th

• National Day of Screening (Central Market, Kingstown)

• Church Service, District Level