Strengthening Diabetes Prevention in WHO South-East Asia: A Call to Action for Healthier Communities
To combat diabetes, health experts adopted the ‘Colombo Call to Action’ in the WHO South-East Asia Region. This initiative aims to enhance diabetes prevention and care. It builds on the key pillars of WHO’s Global Diabetes Compact, which seeks to lower diabetes risk and provide quality treatment for diagnosed individuals. The Compact also focuses on preventing type 2 diabetes through addressing obesity, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity.
Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director, emphasized the need for equitable access to diabetes care. She highlighted that bridging service gaps can save lives, making care comprehensive, accessible, and affordable. Over 100 experts, including health officials and international experts, gathered for the Regional Commemoration of World Diabetes Day 2024. The event was organized by the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka and WHO.
Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Minister of Health in Sri Lanka, expressed the government’s commitment to fighting diabetes through various initiatives and partnerships. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the number of diabetes patients has quadrupled in the last three decades, highlighting the urgent need for better prevention and management.
The Call to Action lists key actions, such as improving primary healthcare, increasing access to essential medicines like insulin, and integrating diabetes care into wider health programs. It calls for investment in policies promoting healthy lifestyles and aims for national targets in diabetes care coverage by 2030.
What are the main strategies outlined in the ‘Colombo Call to Action’ for diabetes prevention and care?
News Directory 3: Interview with Expert on the ‘Colombo Call to Action’ in Diabetes Prevention and Care
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In a forward-looking initiative to combat the alarming rise of diabetes in the South-East Asia region, health experts have adopted the ‘Colombo Call to Action.’ This strategic approach aims to enhance diabetes prevention and care, fundamentally aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Diabetes Compact. To delve deeper into this initiative and its implications for public health, we spoke with Dr. Ravi Kumar, a leading endocrinologist and diabetes specialist.
News Directory 3: Dr. Kumar, thank you for joining us today. Can you briefly explain what the ‘Colombo Call to Action’ entails and how it builds on the WHO’s Global Diabetes Compact?
Dr. Ravi Kumar: Thank you for having me. The ‘Colombo Call to Action’ is a pivotal initiative adopted by health experts in the WHO South-East Asia Region aimed at combating diabetes through comprehensive strategies. It builds on the Global Diabetes Compact by focusing on three key pillars: prevention of type 2 diabetes, improving diabetes care for those already diagnosed, and ensuring that quality treatment is accessible to all. This approach recognizes the urgent need for integrated care models that prioritize equitable access.
News Directory 3: Saima Wazed, the WHO Regional Director, mentioned the importance of equitable access to diabetes care. Why is this equity critical in tackling diabetes in the region?
Dr. Ravi Kumar: Equity in access to diabetes care is essential because diabetes affects individuals regardless of their socioeconomic status. Unfortunately, those in lower-income areas often face numerous barriers—such as financial constraints, lack of information, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. By ensuring that everyone, particularly marginalized communities, has access to diabetes prevention methods and treatments, we can significantly reduce the disparities in health outcomes and save lives.
News Directory 3: The initiative emphasizes prevention, particularly regarding lifestyle factors like obesity, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity. What specific measures can be taken to address these issues?
Dr. Ravi Kumar: To combat these risk factors, a multi-faceted approach is critical. We need public health campaigns that focus on educating the public about healthy eating and active living. Schools can play a significant role by integrating nutritional education and physical activity into their curriculums. Additionally, policymakers should create environments that promote healthy choices, for example, by increasing access to parks and recreational facilities, and by implementing regulations on unhealthy food marketing, especially aimed at children.
News Directory 3: With the rise of technology in healthcare, what role do you see for digital tools in diabetes prevention and care?
Dr. Ravi Kumar: Digital tools have incredible potential to transform diabetes care. Mobile apps can assist with tracking diet and physical activity, while telemedicine services can improve access to healthcare for those in remote areas. Furthermore, online platforms can offer educational resources, help patients connect with healthcare providers, and provide community support, which is invaluable for motivation in managing their health.
News Directory 3: As we look forward to the implementation of the ‘Colombo Call to Action,’ what are the immediate next steps that need to be taken to ensure its success?
Dr. Ravi Kumar: Immediate next steps should include forming collaborations with local governments, civil societies, and healthcare providers to create a cohesive implementation plan. It’s also vital to establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of the interventions being rolled out. Engaging stakeholders at all levels will help ensure that our strategies are grounded in the realities faced by the communities we aim to serve.
News Directory 3: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Kumar. As we conclude, what message would you like to send to our readers regarding diabetes prevention and care?
Dr. Ravi Kumar: I urge everyone to take diabetes seriously—understand the risk factors, get regular check-ups, and adopt healthier lifestyles. Prevention is always better than cure, and by working together, we can change the trajectory of diabetes in our communities.
For more information on diabetes prevention and care, and to stay updated on initiatives like the ‘Colombo Call to Action,’ visit us at newsdirectory3.com.
As of June 2024, over 60 million people in the WHO South-East Asia Region receive protocol-based management for diabetes and hypertension, with a goal of reaching 100 million by 2025. However, challenges persist, with over 260,000 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes lacking access to necessary treatments. The incidence of type 2 diabetes is also rising among young people.
Improving primary healthcare systems is crucial to meet the demand for diabetes prevention and care. The Regional Director stated that overcoming barriers in diabetes care is a shared responsibility among governments, healthcare providers, and communities. The goal is to ensure that equitable, affordable, and high-quality diabetes care is accessible to all.
The event featured addresses from Dr. PG Mahipala, Secretary of Health in Sri Lanka; Dr. Guy Fones, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at WHO; and Dr. Alaka Singh, WHO Representative to Sri Lanka.