Diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have received unprecedented global attention recently with the United Nations (UN) member states unanimously resolving to host a summit on the subject in 2011. Preceding the summit, South Africa will host the "Diabetes Leadership Forum Africa 2010", set to highlight the growing need for effectively addressing diabetes and NCDs in sub-Saharan Africa.
A coordinated response to the growing burden of NCDs is long overdue, with a disease such as diabetes affecting over 300 million people worldwide. In Africa alone, it is estimated that 12.1 million people are living with the disease. The situation is expected to worsen drastically over the next 20 years, with an increase of 98 percent unless action is quickly taken to counteract this growing health problem.
Health ministers from across the African continent are expected to take decisive steps to address the diabetes epidemic when they convene for the Diabetes Leadership Forum Africa 2010 scheduled to take place on 30 September and 1 October 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The South African Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said, "Diabetes is one of the biggest problems faced by our population today despite HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis. As leaders in the health sectors of different countries participating in this upcoming conference, we need to come up with solutions that may result in the reduction of approximately 300 million people affected by diabetes worldwide. Partly, our discussions must look into the development of capacity for treatment of diabetes," he said.
The Diabetes Leadership Forum is part of an ongoing campaign to support the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Resolution 61/225 on Diabetes and reaffirm the 2006 Diabetes Declaration and Strategy for Africa. The outcome will be actionable strategies to move the agenda forward in advance of the UN Heads of State Summit on NCDs in September 2011. Issues to be tackled are health systems strengthening, sustainable approaches to chronic care, funding and investment, better education of people and professionals, and prevention of diabetes and other NCDs.
The forum is co-hosted by the Department of Health on behalf of the South African government, and the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF). It is supported by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and co-organised and sponsored by Novo Nordisk.
Enquiries:
Fidel Hadebe
Tel: 012 395 8495
cell: 079 517 3333
Media attendance at the forum is by invitation and accreditation only. Should you require more info please contact Katlego Modipane:
Katlego Modipane
Tel: 011 728 1363
Cell: 072 227 2773
E-mail: katlego@ggisa.com
