8 November 2007
You are cordially invited to the World Diabetes Day celebrations
Date: Thursday, 15 November 2007
Time: 10h00
Venue: Kagisanong Community Hall in Rocklands, Mangaung
The MEC for Health, Mr Sakhiwo Belot, will deliver the keynote address.
Background
Non-communicable diseases are becoming a leading cause of mortality and
disability especially in developing countries. Diabetes is a growing epidemic
that threatens to overwhelm the healthcare services and undermine the economies
worldwide.
The United General Assembly passed a resolution on 20 December 2006,
recognising the global threat of diabetes. The United Nations Resolution
focuses the World's attention on the need to stop the growing diabetes epidemic
through urgent action.
World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually on 14 November. As the MEC, Mr
Belot, will not be available on Wednesday, 14 November 2007, the Free State
will celebrate World Diabetes Day on Thursday, 15 November 2007. Kagisanong
Community Hall in Rocklands was selected as the most appropriate venue as it is
near to the community, but will also limit travelling costs for most of the
officials.
World Diabetes Day celebrations will be a joint venture between the
Department of Health, the Faculty of Health Sciences and the pharmaceutical
companies. The Faculty of Health Sciences, Internal Medicine under the
leadership of Professor Mollentze will co-ordinate the arrangements for the
event. The pharmaceutical companies taking part are Batswadi Pharmaceuticals,
Novo Nordisk, Sanofi Aventis, Abbott Diabetes Care and Roche.
The following services will be provided at least six screening tables:
* height and weight measuring
* finger prick glucose testing
* blood pressure and
* foot inspection.
Screening for visual acuity will be done at two tables.
Enquiries:
Gela Naude
Public Relations and Internal Communication Free State Department of
Health
Tel 051 408 1278
Fax 051-4081055
Cell: 082 381 9483
E-mail: naudeg@fshealth.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health
8 November 2007
