Damascus-SANA
Today, a number of children with diabetes participated in an awareness and entertainment event organized by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization under the slogan (Enhancing Access to Curative Services and Health Care for Diabetes Patients) at the Damaroz Hotel in Damascus.
The event, which was held on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, included a theatrical performance, awareness sessions and health education about the risks of contracting the disease, the importance of early detection of the disease, adherence to treatment, healthy food, sports, commitment to implementing measures to prevent corona virus, and facilitating patients' access to the required services.
The number of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes registered in the Ministry of Health reaches 169,434 patients, including 1,760 children, according to the Director of Communicable and Chronic Diseases in the Ministry, Dr. Zuhair Al-Sahwi, noting that despite the difficulties imposed by the economic blockade and the spread of the Corona epidemic, the Ministry continues to provide free diagnosis and treatment services through clinics and centers. In addition to the rehabilitation of medical cadres and the creation of databases.
Dr. Hiam Bashour, Health Systems Officer in the World Health Organization’s Damascus office, pointed out that diabetes is one of the main challenges facing the organization and the main cause of premature death, indicating that the spread of the Corona virus since last year has affected the services provided to patients, as she informed a number of countries in the Middle East and North Africa 42 per cent of diabetes care services are partially or completely disrupted.
The President of the Syrian Diabetes Association, Dr. Amal Harfouche, stressed the importance of early detection of the disease and conducting periodic tests, in addition to stricter measures to prevent the Corona virus, as the risks of infection with patients increase in terms of the severity of symptoms and hospital admission rates, noting the importance of strengthening the role of the family and society by supporting patients and the role of health Psychological prevention of disease progression as well as adherence to treatment.
While the President of the Family Planning Association, Dr. Hazar Al-Miqdad, pointed to the integration of efforts between government health institutions and NGOs to spread awareness, support patients, and achieve health security in the community.
Regarding the services provided by the Diabetes Children’s Center in Damascus, its head, Dr. Mona Dakar, indicated that it provides free insulin, simple analyzers and some emergency supplies, in addition to health education and recreational activities for the child and his family, and the number of children benefiting from its services reaches 920 children.
It is noteworthy that the celebration of World Diabetes Day began in 1991 and was chosen on the 14th of November to commemorate the birthday of Frederic Banten, who contributed to the discovery of insulin in 1922, which became necessary for the survival of diabetics.
Rama Rashidi
