Al Qasimia University, Friends of Diabetes Society promote health awareness on diabetes in Ghana
Al Qasimia University in the United Arab Emirates and the Friends of Diabetes Society, an affiliate of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, are working together to promote health awareness on diabetes in Ghana.
Through its flagship “Diabetes Ambassadors” programme, which equips students to take the lead in the fight against diabetes, the awareness campaign has since been educating communities about diabetes prevention and offering guidance to those who may already have the condition or are at risk.
Roughly 2.4 million people have diabetes in Ghana, and 7.5 per cent of adults have Type-2 Diabetes, according to data from the World Health Organisation.
Even though the condition is alarmingly common, many people have not been diagnosed, and there are fears the numbers may be higher.
Diabetes Ambassador and prominent Al Qasimia University alumna, Jameela Dawood, in a statement issued in Accra yesterday, underscored the significance of raising public awareness in the fight against the chronic disease.
“Diabetes is a dangerous condition with high treatment costs. Because of this, the university and the Supreme Council launched this initiative to inform the public about its prevention, particularly for those who may not have the resources to effectively manage it,” she said.
She said she had been interacting with women in prayer and market centres, educating them about diabetes and the need to live a healthy lifestyle.
The Diabetes Ambassadors programme continues to expand its reach, motivating a growing number of young individuals, particularly students from Al Qasimia University, to actively participate in diabetes prevention efforts. Their contributions aim to foster a healthier and more prosperous society.
Ms Dawood expressed appreciation for the invaluable opportunity provided by Al Qasimia University to participate in the Diabetes Ambassadors programme.
The knowledge and expertise gained, she said have equipped her to play a pivotal role in raising awareness about diabetes in her community.
“The collaboration between the Friends of Diabetes Society and Al Qasimia University is a testimony to their shared commitment to supporting initiatives that enable youth to serve their communities and spread health awareness in their homelands,” she said.