Diabetes Population in the Region Expected to Double by 2025
ALEXANDRIA: (ME Newswire): International Diabetes Federation Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA) today launched a diabetes action plan, marking a major step forward towards optimal disease management in type 2 diabetes. The MENA action plan aims to improve the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes, which has reached epidemic proportions in the region and has overtaken wider communicable diseases as a health risk.
Diabetes affects approximately 24.5 million people in MENA, a region that contains six of the ten countries with the highest prevalence figures worldwide and with a diabetes population that is set to double by 2025.1 Diabetes has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of four chronic, non-communicable diseases responsible for more than half of all deaths in the region.2
The plan will enable IDF MENA member associations to develop National Diabetes Programmes designed to prioritize diabetes within national healthcare frameworks through government investment, improved access to treatment and safeguarded patient rights. Improved diagnosis and care, minimum care standards and greater collaboration between all parties involved with diabetes are also recommended within the action plan. The action plan considers the unique challenges in diabetes management for the region such as extensive geography, access to medicine and healthcare and risk factors including smoking, hypertension and obesity.
The IDF MENA action plan was developed through a consultation process with national members of IDF MENA and representatives from government and non-governmental organizations. It is a regional response to the United Nations Resolution on Diabetes. Entitled 'World Diabetes Day', the Resolution calls on all countries to develop national policies for the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes.
Professor Morsi Arab, Chair of International Diabetes Federation MENA Region said "The IDF MENA action plan is a clear response to the recent explosion of type 2 diabetes in our region and the related United Nations Resolution on Diabetes. It focuses specifically on practical steps to support the development of National Diabetes Programmes.
Professor Arab continues: "It is critical that we utilize this action plan to tackle the burden of diabetes on our society, economy and the health of our population. The healthcare agenda in the Middle East & North Africa has shifted to address chronic, non-communicable disease and all stakeholders in the diabetes community should take this opportunity to prioritize effective diabetes management."
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International Diabetes Federation
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is the global advocate for the over 250 million people with diabetes worldwide. It represents over 200 diabetes associations in more than 160 countries. Its mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. The International Diabetes Federation is an NGO in official relations with the World Health Organization and an associated NGO with the United Nations Department of Public Information. The International Diabetes Federation leads the World Diabetes Day campaign. Additional information is available at www.idf.org
UN Resolution
The UN recognition of World Diabetes Day follows the passing of Resolution 61/225, the World Diabetes Day Resolution, in December 2006. The landmark resolution was the first goal of an ambitious campaign led by IDF which recognizes diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and costly disease associated with major complications that pose severe risks for families and countries. The United Nations has thrown its support behind World Diabetes Day and encourages countries to act now. To mark this special event, individuals are encouraged to wear the diabetes pin, which incorporates a blue circle - the global symbol for diabetes. The Resolution can be viewed at: www.unitefordiabetes.org/campaign/resolution.html.
About Diabetes
Each year 7 million people develop diabetes and the most dramatic increases in type 2 diabetes have occurred in populations where there have been rapid and major changes in lifestyle, demonstrating the important role played by lifestyle factors and the potential for reversing the global epidemic. A person with type 2 diabetes is 2 - 4 times more likely to get cardiovascular disease (CVD), and 80% of people with diabetes will die from it. Premature mortality caused by diabetes results in an estimated 12 to 14 years of life lost. A person with diabetes incurs medical costs that are two to five times higher than those of a person without diabetes, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 15% of annual health budgets are spent on diabetes-related illnesses. There is conclusive evidence that good control of blood glucose levels and management of high blood pressure and aspects of the lipid profile (blood fats) can slow the progression to or of type 2 diabetes, and substantially reduce the risk of developing complications (such as cardiovascular, eye and kidney disease) in people with diabetes. Facts and figures can be viewed at: www.idf.org/home/index.cfm?node=4
IDF Regional Meetings
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) with support from Merck & Co has implemented this meeting as part of a series taking place in each of the seven IDF regions (Africa, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, North America, South and Central America, South-East Asia and Western Pacific) towards the end of 2008 and throughout 2009. The meetings programme provides an opportunity to identify regional capacity-building needs to facilitate effective implementation of the UN Resolution. It is also a unique platform to encourage open dialogue and best practice sharing between countries in each region, to ensure such initiatives are a success.
Acknowledgement
This action plan was led by the International Diabetes Federation Middle East & North Africa Region and supported by Merck & Co, Inc.
1 Diabetes Atlas, Third Edition. International Diabetes Federation, 2006 www.eatlas.idf.org
2 World Health Organization Regional Office for Eastern Mediterranean. Annual Report of the Regional Director 2006. www.emro.who.int
Contacts
International Diabetes Federation
Kerrita McClaughlyn, Media Relations Manager
Office: +32-2-5431639
Mobile: +32-487530625
Email: media@idf.org
Hill & Knowlton
Simon Grist
Office: +44 (0) 207-413-3768
Email: simon.grist@hillandknowlton.com
© Press Release 2009
