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The increasing severity of the diabetes epidemic world-wide is recognised by the WHO and IDF. Almost 180 million people have diabetes globally and around two thirds are to be found in the developing countries.
A recent World Health Organization (WHO) estimate suggests that globally, 4 million deaths are attributable to diabetes per year. Most of these deaths are to a large extent avoidable.
Only few studies have assessed the extent of public awareness and knowledge of diabetes and its complications. It is however widely accepted that there is considerable ignorance as well as serious mis-conceptions about the disease. To name one that type 2 diabetes is a mild form of diabetes. This is particularly so in developing countries where the epidemic is a fairly recent phenomenon.
This project is a response to this situation.
Objective
The project aims to improve delivery of diabetes care by:
- raising awareness about diabetes and its consequences among people with diabetes and their families, health care providers and decision makers
- advocating primary prevention of type 2 diabetes
- improving clinical preventive services dealing with management of type 1 and 2 diabetes
- and stimulating action globally, regionally and nationally to improve the lives of people with diabetes, particularly in developing countries
Approach
The project is a collaborative venture between WHO and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The initiative represents the major part of the future WHO diabetes programme.
The project includes two temporary staff positions focusing on diabetes at WHO, Geneva.
Main actions of the project include:
- Devise and implement a global strategy for improving diabetes awareness
- Implement awareness activities including reviews, assessments, publications and seminars
- Country specific clinical management projects in developing countries
- Training of health care professionals
As part of the dissemination approach, WHO hopes to host the 2004 Conference on the Prevention of Diabetes and its Complications. Also, an "Ambassador for diabetes" will be appointed at WHO with the purpose of spreading the message of prevention of diabetes and its complications particularly to health care decision makers.
WHO and IDF websites globally and regionally will be used as information resources as they can be quickly updated with new information.
Expected impact
- The number of countries in the world with a national diabetes control plan will be close to 100% by 2006
- Awareness of diabetes will be increased among the general public, people with diabetes and their families, health professionals and decision makers.
- WHO technical Report 844 "Prevention of Diabetes Mellitus" will have been revised and distributed to relevant stakeholders
- Seminars on diabetes health care coverage will be held in at least 3 regions with a total of 150 participants
Results to date
- 70% of countries in the world had a national action plan for diabetes in 2006. This was a 30% increase in comparison to 2001. Furthermore, a website to support implementation of national diabetes plans was launched in 2006. Diabetes Action Online is targeted at health policy makers and planners in low and middle income countries.
- Cameroon: A survey of different beliefs on prevention and treatment of diabetes has been conducted. The data are being analysed and the results will be available in September 2008.
- China: A study of the economic impact of diabetes (direct and indirect costs) in China was conducted in collaboration with the University of Shanghai. The results were presented at the IDF Congress in Cape Town in December 2006 as well as at the conference organised for UN member states in November 2007 in New York. The paper has been submitted for publication.
- Chennai, India: A survey of diabetes awareness among members of the general public, people with diabetes and health policy makers has been undertaken. Preliminary results were presented at the 4th World Congress on Prevention of Diabetes and it Complications in February 2005. The final results were published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice in 2007. Educational and awareness-raising programmes have been conducted in specific population in and around Chennai.
- The United Nations General Assembly passed the first ever UN World Diabetes Day Resolution in December 2006. The resolution recognised diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and costly disease associated with severe complications, posing serious risks and challenges to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
- The Diabetes Action Now booklet was launched in May 2004 at WHO in Geneva and continues to be widely distributed. More than 6000 copies have gone out and a further 4000 copies were printed to meet demand. The Diabetes Action Now booklet is available in English, French and Spanish.
- A workshop on awareness raising in Brazil was held in April 2006 in Brasilia for the public health sector. The aim was to develop a strategy to raise public awareness about the burden of diabetes and related chronic diseases and the potential for their prevention in Brazil.
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