Islamabad, June 26, 2013 (PPI-OT): Early childhood behaviours become habits, which are difficult to change later. Raising awareness of the risk of diabetes and related communicable diseases – and how to avoid them is imperative” – Ole E. Moesby, Danish Ambassador to Pakistan
Islamabad, PK – 26-06-2013 – ”It is estimated that in Pakistan, obesity has tripled and blood pressure had doubled since 2009. This makes 9.6 million children in Pakistan either overweight or obese, out of which diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions to affect these children”. This was stated by the Danish ambassador, H.E. Ole E. Moesby during his visit to the SOS Children’s Village in Rawalpindi.
Ambassador Moesby visited SOS Rawalpindi to meet teachers, families and children and speak to them about how to improve life quality through good healthcare. Ambassador Moesby also spoke about general health issues among children and the importance of establishing collaboration between teachers, parents and organizations in creating awareness on primary prevention of diabetes and issues of childhood obesity in particular.
”With more than 7 million diabetic patients in Pakistan, around five per cent of them are young children. However, these figures may be much higher, since many children, especially from poor and rural areas remain undiagnosed, as their parents or teachers often misdiagnose it as the flu and do not seek doctor’s advice for a proper diagnosis, which creates a lot of health issues and impacts the quality of life for these children. Type-2 diabetes can be prevented through increasing physical activities and having a good diet plan, so a few preventive measures can help curb such a fatal disease. Awareness and education are they key words for prevention and cure”, said Ambassador Moesby.
SOS Village Chairperson, Mrs Nasim Muzaffar appreciated Ambassador Moesby’s commitment to advocating for awareness on healthcare. Ms. Muzaffar stated that SOS Village was providing a home and social environment for orphaned children across Pakistan but required the support of donors from both public and private sector to continue giving these children access to quality education, health and a ’fair start’ in life.
The Danish Ambassador also met with Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, President’s Coordinator on Social Sectors to acknowledge the significant activities, which have been initiated to improve healthcare systems in Pakistan. The Danish Ambassador appreciated that Pakistan has been focusing on a public health system that places a high priority on communicable diseases and maternal and child health services and a private health system driven by curative medicine.
He however emphasized that there was also need for a comprehensive health response to diabetes that addresses prevention, treatment, care and support needs for people with diabetes. Ambassador Moesby highlighted that there was need for more advocacy and partnership with different agencies that can bring in the desired changes in the life of every person living with diabetes.
For more information, contact:
Mrs. Esther Lonstrup,
Development Counsellor
Embassy of Denmark
House #16, Street 21, F-6/2,
P.O. Box 1118, Islamabad,
Pakistan
Tel: +9251 209 9800
Fax: +9251 282 3483
Email: isbamb@um.dk
Cell: 0307 555 9141 Or
Mrs. Hina Akhtar,
Communication Consultant
Cell: 0306 545 1766