On World Diabetes Day, the World Health Organization's South-East Asia Region has issued a powerful call for intensified action against diabetes across every stage of life. The regional health authority emphasized the critical need for comprehensive strategies that address prevention, detection, and management of this growing health crisis.
Urgent Call for Multi-Sectoral Action
Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, delivered a compelling message highlighting the severity of the diabetes situation in the region. She stressed that diabetes represents more than just a health concern—it's a development issue that demands coordinated efforts from multiple sectors including health, education, and urban planning.
The regional director emphasized that more than one in every four adults living with diabetes globally resides in the WHO South-East Asia Region. This staggering statistic underscores the disproportionate burden the region carries and the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Comprehensive Prevention Strategies
The WHO outlined several critical areas requiring immediate attention and action. Among the key recommendations is the implementation of evidence-based interventions throughout all life stages. This approach recognizes that diabetes prevention must begin early and continue throughout a person's lifetime.
Specific measures highlighted include promoting healthy diets from childhood, encouraging regular physical activity across all age groups, and creating environments that support healthy lifestyle choices. The organization also stressed the importance of early detection programs and ensuring access to affordable treatment and care for those already living with the condition.
Focus on Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
Particular attention was given to Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for the majority of diabetes cases in the region. The WHO emphasized that many Type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed through appropriate lifestyle modifications and public health interventions.
The regional call to action aligns with global efforts to combat diabetes but tailors the approach to address the specific challenges and opportunities present in South-East Asian countries. This includes considering cultural factors, dietary patterns, and healthcare infrastructure unique to the region.
As World Diabetes Day serves as an annual reminder of the growing diabetes epidemic, the WHO's strong stance signals a renewed commitment to turning the tide against this chronic condition through coordinated, life-course approaches that leave no age group behind.
