Diabetes prevention requires collective mobilization and a multi-partner approach that brings together all the stakeholders concerned, underlined the president of the Moroccan League for the Fight against Diabetes, Jamal Belakhdir.
In a statement to MAP on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, Professor Belkhadir added that the fight against diabetes must be waged on all fronts. “If the care of people living with diabetes remains the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, prevention goes well beyond its framework,” he said.
The president of the Moroccan League for the Fight against Diabetes, an NGO created in 1990 and member of the International Diabetes Federation, stressed that Morocco has strengthened financial and logistical resources as well as hospital structures intended for the fight against diabetes.
He also mentioned the alarming increase in cases of diabetes worldwide, the number of which is expected to reach 780 million in 2045 and 135 million in the MENA region, according to the International Diabetes Federation.
People with diabetes are cared for by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in primary health care establishments. These patients also benefit from support from associations active in this field.
This is the case of Houda Jebari, diabetic and beneficiary of the services of the Moroccan League for the Fight against Diabetes.
Thanks to the support of competent health services and the League, “I learned to manage my diet and monitor my blood sugar regularly. Today, even though diabetes is part of my life, I feel more strong and better prepared to take on this daily challenge,” she testified.
This patient benefits from a wide range of services, alternating educational workshops on nutrition, conferences and annual webinars.
The continued increase in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes is worrying, particularly in Morocco. This disease affects more than 25,000 children, more than 2.7 million adults, 50% of whom are undiagnosed, and more than 2.2 million people with pre-diabetes.
The international community celebrates World Diabetes Day on November 14, this year under the theme “Diabetes and well-being”, chosen by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the IDF for the period 2024-2026.
This Day aims to mobilize health professionals, civil society and all partners for the prevention and fight against diabetes and its complications, with an emphasis on well-being in care, in order to enable every person living with diabetes can lead a fulfilling life.
