“According to this Stepwise survey 2012, diabetes prevalence in the country is about 17%. Now we are getting ready for another survey and the details will be announced soon,” disclosed Dr Kholoud al-Mutawa, chair of Awareness and Patient Empowerment Sub-Committee for the National Diabetes Strategy and head of Non-Communicable Diseases Department at MoPH.
“It will be a household survey covering a large number of participants. We expect to get the latest information on the prevalence of diabetes and other related topics,” continued Dr al-Mutawa.
MoPH, in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), and the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) Monday launched an awareness campaign on diabetes.
The four-phase campaign aims to raise awareness among Qataris and residents about diabetes prevention and how to live with it.
The first phase, which will last until December, aims at creating awareness among the population about diabetes by introducing its three types; Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes and the associated health complications.
The MoPH held Monday a press conference to announce the launch of the campaign. Present were Dr al-Mutawa, Manal Othman, director of Diabetes Education HMC, Dr Samiya al-Abdulla- executive director of Operation Department, PHCC, and Dr Abdulla al-Hamaq, executive director, QDA.
The MoPH has also launched a website www.diabetesqatar.qa that includes all important information related to diabetes, its treatment and prevention.
The campaign seeks to deliver its messages using the most effective media and advertising channels, including print media, television channels, radio, electronic media, film and SMS, as well as advertising posters in different parts of the country and hosting activities in shopping malls and public places.
The campaign is part of the implementation of the National Diabetes Strategy 2016-2022 under the slogan "Preventing Diabetes Together". It has developed a comprehensive plan of action to provide the best care for patients and develop the best workforce, infrastructure and research to achieve its vision and objectives.
The second phase will take place in the first quarter of next year, focusing on the symptoms and risks of diabetes as well as the need for early detection through the examination of blood sugar levels, since it is important to avoid complications of the diabetic as the presence of the disease precedes diagnosis in several months, or several years and this will be harmful to the patient.
The third phase is scheduled to be launched in the fourth quarter of next year, and calls on the public to take the lead in conducting a comprehensive diabetes screening and early detection.
The fourth phase of the campaign will be in the first quarter of 2020, focuses on continuing the achievements of the three previous stages to prevent disease for non-diabetics and to follow healthy lifestyles, especially nutrition and physical activity.
The officials from healthcare organisations at the press conference yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil
Qatar will start a new survey on diabetes from next month, an official from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said Monday. The MoPH has also launched a four-phase diabetes awareness programme, for two years.
