Table of Contents
- 0.1 Key Highlights of the Colombo Call to Action
- 0.2 Commitment from Sri Lanka
- 0.3 A Global Perspective on Diabetes
- 0.4 Progress and Challenges in Diabetes Management
- 0.5 A Collective Responsibility
- 0.6 Join the Conversation
- 1 How can the Global Diabetes Compact be leveraged to effectively integrate technology-driven solutions, such as telemedicine and mobile health apps, into diabetes care programs within the context of the Colombo Call to Action?
Empowering the Future of Diabetes Care: The Colombo Call to Action
In a decisive move to tackle the escalating diabetes epidemic, health experts and officials convened to endorse the ‘Colombo Call to Action’ aimed at enhancing diabetes prevention and control strategies across the WHO South-East Asia Region. This pledges collective accountability among member countries, propelling initiatives to unite, integrate, innovate, treat, track, and educate—central tenets of WHO’s Global Diabetes Compact. The effort seeks to mitigate diabetes risk factors and ensure quality healthcare access for those affected.
Key Highlights of the Colombo Call to Action
The Colombo Call to Action emerged from a two-day Regional Commemoration of World Diabetes Day 2024, held on November 21-22 in Sri Lanka. It brought together over 100 health experts, officials, and representatives from WHO South-East Asia, along with delegates from the Western Pacific and Africa regions. The event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka and the WHO, underscored the necessity to close gaps in diabetes care services.
Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, emphasized the importance of equitable and accessible care during her address. “Bridging the service gaps to ensure timely access to diabetes care can save lives. Care services need to be equitable, comprehensive, accessible, and affordable,” Wazed stated.
Commitment from Sri Lanka
Reflecting Sri Lanka’s dedication to combating diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Minister of Health and Media, highlighted existing initiatives such as SEAHEARTS. He affirmed the government’s commitment to advancing advocacy, health promotion, and ensuring the continuous availability of quality medicines. “We know we can do more through advocacy, health promotion and continuous supply of quality medicines,” Wijemuni expressed during the closing session.
A Global Perspective on Diabetes
In a video message, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out the alarming global trends in diabetes. “Over the last three decades, the number of people living with diabetes has quadrupled, now surpassing 800 million globally. More than half of these individuals do not receive treatment,” he stressed. Dr. Tedros called on countries to intensify their efforts to meet global health targets for diabetes management.
The Colombo Call to Action underscores several priority actions, including:
- Strengthening primary healthcare systems to bolster diabetes prevention and control.
- Enhancing access to vital medicines, especially insulins.
- Integrating diabetes care into wider health programs.
- Promoting healthy lifestyle interventions through policy and program investments.
- Establishing national diabetes coverage targets aimed for achievement by 2030.
Progress and Challenges in Diabetes Management
Countries within the WHO South-East Asia Region have made commendable strides in diabetes-related healthcare. As of June 2024, more than 60 million people have engaged in protocol-based management for diabetes and hypertension. The goal is to reach 100 million individuals by 2025. Nevertheless, significant challenges persist—over 260,000 children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes encounter limited access to insulin and monitoring services, and the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is on the rise among younger populations.
“Equipping primary healthcare with standardized treatment protocols and essential diagnostics is crucial for meeting the mounting demand for diabetes care,” remarked Wazed.
A Collective Responsibility
The future of diabetes care rests on the shoulders of governments, healthcare providers, and communities alike. “The path to overcome barriers and care gaps is long and challenging, but achievable. Let us come together to ensure that no one is left behind,” Wazed concluded.
The gathering also featured insights from prominent figures like Dr. PG Mahipala of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Guy Fones from WHO Headquarters, and Dr. Alaka Singh, WHO Representative to Sri Lanka.
Join the Conversation
As the health community rallies to combat the diabetes crisis, discussions are more critical than ever. What steps do you think can help strengthen diabetes care in your region? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s work together to promote healthier lives across communities. For more information about diabetes prevention and control, visit authoritative sources like WHO, TechCrunch, and Wired.
How can the Global Diabetes Compact be leveraged to effectively integrate technology-driven solutions, such as telemedicine and mobile health apps, into diabetes care programs within the context of the Colombo Call to Action?
## Interview: Empowering the Future of Diabetes Care
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News! We’re discussing the recent Colombo Call to Action, a crucial initiative aiming to tackle the skyrocketing diabetes epidemic in the WHO South- East Asia Region. We spoke with two renowned experts to delve deeper into this important topic.
Joining us today are:
* **Dr. Anjali Sharma**, a leading diabetologist and researcher dedicated to improving diabetes care access in underserved communities.
* **Mr. Rajeev Kumar**, a policy analyst specializing in global health initiatives, with a focus on non-communicable diseases.
Thank you both for being here.
**Section 1: The Colombo Call to Action – A Pivotal Moment**
**Host:** Dr. Sharma, could you elaborate on the significance of the Colombo Call to Action?
**Dr. Sharma:** Absolutely. This Call is a powerful declaration of intent. Recognizing the alarming rise in diabetes cases, especially in the South-East Asia Region, it outlines concrete steps to strengthen diabetes prevention and care. What stood out is its emphasis on a collective, multi-sectoral approach, demanding collaborative efforts from governments, healthcare providers, communities, and international organizations.
**Host:** Mr. Kumar, the Call also highlights the Global Diabetes Compact. Can you shed light on its role in this initiative?
**Mr. Kumar:** The Global Diabetes Compact, launched by the WHO, provides a framework for global diabetes management. The Colombo Call reinforces this framework locally, urging countries to commit to key targets such as improved access to essential medicines, integrated care, and primary health system strengthening.
**Section 2: Key Priorities and Pressing Challenges**
**Host:** Dr. Sharma, the article mentions significant progress in diabetes management within the region, but also highlights challenges. What are some of the biggest obstacles we need to overcome?
**Dr. Sharma:** While progress has been made, the reality is that millions still lack access to essential diabetes care. The shortage of insulin for Type 1 diabetes in children is particularly alarming. We need to address this urgently. Moreover, the rising prevalence of Type 2 diabetes among younger populations is a worrying trend demanding sustained societal and lifestyle interventions.
**Host:** Mr. Kumar, how can technology play a role in tackling these challenges?
**Mr. Kumar:** Technology holds immense potential. From telemedicine platforms for remote consultations to mobile apps for self-monitoring and education, technology can bridge geographical gaps and empower individuals with knowledge and resources to manage their diabetes effectively.
**Section 3: Looking Ahead: A Collective Responsibility**
**Host:** Mr. Kumar, what role do governments play in ensuring the success of initiatives like the Colombo Call to Action?
**Mr. Kumar:** Governments must prioritize diabetes control by investing in robust healthcare systems, ensuring access to affordable medications, and implementing policies promoting healthy lifestyles. They also need to guide effective public awareness campaigns to educate communities about diabetes prevention and early detection.
**Host:** Dr. Sharma, what message would you like to leave our viewers with today?
**Dr. Sharma:** Diabetes is a global health crisis that demands our attention and action. The Colombo Call reminds us that we’re all part of the solution. We can all contribute – individuals can prioritize healthy lifestyles, communities can advocate for better resources, and governments must champion comprehensive diabetes care. Together, we can empower a healthier future for all.
**Host:** Thank you both for your valuable insights and for reminding us that collaborative action is critical in tackling this global challenge.
**Conclusion:**
Thank you for joining us on World Today News. Let’s continue this vital conversation. Join the discussion below and share your thoughts on how we can work together to empower diabetes care globally.
