Spain – In Valencia, Spain, an annual event marking WDD took place. The V111 Race Walk took place in Alicante on 14 November. Its aim is to highlight diabetes, promote healthy lifestyles.
The walk, or run, is over 5 kilometres and starts in the morning from the beach at San Juan. It was carried out this year under COVID regulations, having been abandoned in person for a virtual event in 2020.
Mauritius – The Mauritius Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, launched a series of activities, aimed at informing people about diabetes to improve understanding that it is a major health issue having a significant economic and social burden on individuals, families and the society in general.
Among the events on the day was an exhibition on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), The day’s activities comprised the conduct of the Mauritius Non-communicable disease (NCD) survey, carrying out a survey into NCDs and public understanding of their risk factors, and the publication of leaflets on the dangers of alcohol for young people.
Advocacy Action: – Could you replicate any of the examples above for WDD 2022 or during next November’s Diabetes Awareness Month? Working with patient organisations, medical professionals or just using your platform in Parliament, you can raise awareness and advance the cause of prevention, early diagnosis and treatments. WDD reports continued.
Appeal to Romanian Senate – PDGN Vice-President, Senator Florian Bodog, presented a political declaration to the Romanian Senate to mark WDD 2021 He is concerned that while the world copes with the COVID pandemic, diabetes can be overlooked.
CAPTION: “Don’t forget the 2 million Romanians with diabetes,” Senator Florian Bodog tells the Senate
In his address Senator Bodog said: “I would like to put aside the political issues, and focus my attention on a serious health problem, a problem that has preoccupied me for years and which, unfortunately, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, remained somewhat in the background, although it continues to pose a serious threat to public health.
“I am referring to the problem of diabetes and the millions of patients who struggle with this disease every day.
“We must not forget about people with diabetes or other chronic conditions that affect Romanians. It is our responsibility, through the trust invested in us by the citizens, to make sure that all patients in Romania receive the medical care and treatments they need.”
Advocacy Action: Whether the mechanism is a Presentation Bill, Proclamation, Petition or some other, you don’t have to wait for Diabetes Awareness month or WDD to do something similar in your legislature.