Afghanistan

The following is an account of the Walk that took place in Kabul.

On this beautiful Sunday at 14h30 on the second day of the Muslim Eid Holiday, 500 people participated in the Global Diabetes Walkathon in the sunshine at the Kabul Medical University in a free and peaceful environment.

Mr. Hamed Noori, President of the Journalists Union of Afghanistan, welcomed everyone, introduced the program and announced that for the first time, an issue like diabetes of such significant importance for the well-being of the people of Afghanistan was being discussed and brought to focus and awareness.   

Dr. Hakim Aziz, Director of Curative Medicine at the Ministry of Health, thanked everyone for coming and outlined the steps the Ministry of Health is taking to help treat diabetes in Afghanistan.  Most notably, he mentioned the World Diabetes Foundation Project that will establish 4 diabetic centres of excellence in Kabul.

Mr. Sardar Isaqzai, representing Novo Nordisk, described the work that Novo Nordisk has undertaken so far and outlined planned activities in Afghanistan.  In addition, Sardar talked about Novo Nordisk commitment to being there for the patients and working together with all parties to help rebuild the health care system.

Also, thanks were bestowed to Novo Nordisk, the World Diabetes Foundation, The Afghan Medical Relief Foundation and the Afghanistan Diabetes Association for their sponsorship and support.

At precisely, 14h30 (10 AM GMT) 500 people walked into the street outside the Kabul Medical University and walked for approximately 30 minutes.  Leading the walk were diabetic patients, children, officials from the Ministry of Health, representatives from the United Nations and Novo Nordisk.  Also participating was J. Craig Hostetler from the US. Dept. of Health and Human Services, who is assisting the Ministry of Health in implementing their Basic National Health Package.  Mike Young and Joe Obradovich, soldiers in the US Army, also took part in the walk.

At the end of the walk, the participants were served refreshments and presented with certificates as proof of and reward for their participation.   All in all, the walk-a-thon was great way to raise awareness of diabetes to the general public in Afghanistan!