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22 countries pledge to fight diabetes

DUBAI — Regional and global health experts supported by former US President Bill Clinton signed a pledge to fight the burgeoning threat of diabetes estimated to affect 438 million people in the world with numbers expected to double to 51 million in the region 
by 2030.

Adopting the Dubai Declaration on Diabetes and Non-Communicable Diseases in the Middle East and Northern Africa region during the MENA Diabetes Leadership Forum 2010 on Sunday, 22 countries pledged political commitment to unite and adopt approaches and reduce the burden of diabetes through national policies, prevention and treatment, education and research studies as well as promoting healthy lifestyles.

“The epidemic is coming upon us at almost the speed of light,” said Bill Clinton, founder of the William J Clinton Foundation on the occasion. “This burgeoning epidemic is the manifestation of the modern world and those with the disease are a burden to society,” he said giving examples of how the US tackled the issue through self-care programmes where $150-160 billion are being spent directly to manage the disease and its related complications.

“These estimates can erode the economy and put a burden on the healthcare of any country,” he said calling upon involvement of the food industry and offering the help of his organisation.

“I implore you to do it, I offer all the assistance and experience,” he added.

Of the top 10 countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes – five are in the MENA region with the UAE having the second highest prevalence at 19 per cent. Estimates from the International Diabetes Federation show that 14 per cent of the total healthcare expenditure in 2010 will be spent on diabetes.

“This could cripple our governments and reduce our effectiveness in addressing other high priority health-related concerns,” said the UAE Minister of Health, Dr Hanif Hassan.

While healthcare experts discussed the regional situation and ways to manage the disease, many said that overcoming manpower shortage was of grave importance. “Screening programmes are costly to the governments. But how do we deal with those who are found to be suffering from the disease?,” questioned Dr Jawad Al Lawati, Department of NCDs Surveillance and Control.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com