Prevent. Treat. Beat Diabetes; 7th April 2016
By: WHO Representative Dr Arvind Mathur’s Message on the occasion of World Health Day 2016
Every year, the World Health Organization selects a priority area of global public health concern as the theme for World Health Day and is annually celebrated by member countries and partners. The theme for WHO Day 2016 is Diabetes, a non-communicable disease and a rising global epidemic directly impacting millions of people globally. Diabetes-a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose which may over time lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.Globally, in 2014 alone, an estimated 422 million adults were identified as victims of diabetes. The illness is particularly a matter of great concern in the South East Asia Region to which Maldives belongs to. The global prevalence of Diabetes has nearly doubled since 1980 and the increase is especially common for low and middle income countries. Alarmingly, Diabetes is now the 8th leading cause for death worldwide.
Diabetes is now commonly detected amongst Adolescents and young age groups. This should particularly be of great concern to Maldivians as youth make up for most of our population. Moreover, Diabetes does not only affect individuals and families, but causes great devastations at much higher levels such as governments due to reduced labor productivity and premature deaths. In 2013, the health care expenditure on diabetes globally was US $612 billion and losses faced in gross domestic product (GDP) from 2010 to 2030 are estimated to be US $ 1.7 trillion. Despite substantial investments people are still dying of diabetes and related conditions.Therefore it is correct to say that Diabetes is not just a health issue, but very much a developmental challenge faced by people in numerous societies.
Diabetes is strongly linked to demographic, epidemiological and socioeconomic transitions that occur in countries. Lifestyle changes such as consumption of processed food and sugary drinks, lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle, overweight and obesity and smokingacross all age groups in youth, adults and children are strong factors that connected to Type-2 diabetes. Diabetes, therefore, is an issue relevant to people around the world, as well as multiple stakeholders, including government, civil society, the private sector, and intergovernmental agencies.
Effective approaches are available especially to prevent Type 2 diabetes that accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases as it can be delayed and to prevent complications and premature death that can result from all types of diabetes. Taking a life course perspective is essential for preventing type-2 diabetes as it is; in many health conditions with individuals embracing a healthy lifestyle with simple steps: regular exercise;health diet, maintenance of a healthy body weight, and avoiding smoking; are essential for preventing type-2 diabetes.No single policy or intervention can ensure this happens. It calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of society approach.Additionally, preventing deaths and complications from diabetes necessitates access to affordable health-care services especially essential medicines for diabetes management, including life-saving insulin; regular screening for complications and early treatment when they are found; and a referral system across various levels of health care.
The 2016 World Health Day is dedicated to Diabetes and targets to apprise individuals, societies and governments on the urgency to act upon and halt the rise in Diabetes. WHO Country Office is closely with the government, partners and people of Maldives and as WHO Representative to Maldives; I look forward to enhance efforts at all levels to Prevent, Treat and Beat Diabetes. There are no simple solutions for addressing diabetes but coordinated, multicomponent intervention can make a significant difference. Higher political commitment, new endeavors and initiatives by the government of Maldives; will surely help it combating this illness. As a reliable and trusted partner; WHO will continue to extend technical support to the Maldives. Together, we can beat diabetes and provide care to improve quality of life for the millions of people living with the disease.
Dr Arvind Mathur
WHO Representative
