ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (NNI): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have said the government is fully committed to controlling the escalation of diabetes.
In their separate messages on World Diabetes Day on Thursday, they reiterated the commitment to provide health facilities to all.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari has called for collaboration between media, civil society and the private sector to raise awareness about the risks of diabetes to ensure early prevention and reduce the burden of the silent killer disease.
“The disease can be controlled—and even prevented—through proactive measures by adopting a healthier lifestyle, regular exercises, balanced nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight,” the president said.
He said that this year’s theme, “Diabetes and Well-being,” underscored the importance of addressing the growing global diabetes crisis and its profound impact on health and well-being.
The president said that increasing cases of diabetes were primarily linked to sedentary living, poor dietary habits, and a lack of education about the disease. He also emphasised strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure to ensure that all individuals have access to affordable and effective diabetes care.
President Zardari said that by working together with both national and international partners, “we can improve our healthcare systems, implement preventive measures and provide cost-effective treatment to those living with diabetes.” “On this World Diabetes Day, we reaffirm our commitment to tackling the challenge of diabetes by raising awareness, and investing in prevention and treatment, we can reduce the burden of this silent killer and improve the lives of millions of Pakistanis,” he remarked.
In his message, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said the government was fully committed to controlling the escalation in diabetes and delivering well-being to diabetic population.
“We observe the 14th November as National Diabetes Day, with an objective to highlight awareness about diabetes, its prevention, and management. Today, Pakistan joins the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization to work for the well-being of millions of people with diabetes for a better life. During 2024-26 “Diabetes and Well-being” is the global thematic area of diabetes that calls for focus on access to diabetes care and support for wellbeing,” the prime minister said in a message on World Diabetes Day being observed on November 14.
The prime minister said the government had launched significant health reforms to tackle non-communicable diseases, with a significant prioritization of diabetes. With the support of their partners, the government had developed various programmes to prevent and control diabetes, he added. NNI
