Massive awareness campaign on diabetes

Novo Nordisk in partnership with Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (DAB) and Padma Textiles Ltd recently launched a countrywide massive awareness building activity leading to the World Diabetes Day (WDD) on 14 November.

Novo Nordisk in association with key stakeholders will organise 150 rallies across the country on WDD, screen more than 15,000 pregnant women and share knowledge with 5,000 healthcare professionals including 2,000 gynaecologists on the risk of diabetes and modern treatment options, said a statement.

As a global leader in diabetes care, Novo Nordisk has a responsibility to go beyond medicine and to minimise the gap between the number people who is in need of insulin and those who receive it, said Danish Ambassador Mikael Hemniti Winther.

Commemorating the event, the Ambassador also said that the government should stand beside patients living with diabetes by ensuring access to innovative products so that healthcare companies like Novo Nordisk can continue to do more awareness raising activities. 

“We believe awareness and education are the main drivers to defeat diabetes pandemic. This is why we work in partnership with DAB to raise awareness, promote prevention and earlier diagnosis and expand access to care,” said Anand Shetty, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk.

The most exciting part of the campaign is the one on social media in the official page of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who is the Brand Ambassador for Changing Diabetes.

“I will post awareness building messages on healthy lifestyle and diet on WDD,” said Mashrafe, the national cricket team captain. ‘To start a good innings in life, act today and change the future of diabetes. Say YES to quality medicine and insulin to live a happy and complication- free life’, said Mashrafe.

Dr Azad Khan, President of DAB, holds a positive view on changing diabetes. He has driven DAB’s partnership with Novo Nordisk to take such initiatives like Changing Diabetes in Children programme, Changing Diabetes Brand Ambassador, distance learning programme, to name just a few.

‘Treating diabetes is not so expensive, but not treating diabetes is costly’, said Mohammad Saiful, Head of Marketing, Novo Nordisk. He also highlighted that this year’s slogan of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) on WDD is ‘Women and Diabetes’.

According to IDF, in 2015 there were 7.1 million people living with diabetes in Bangladesh.

Sayef Uddin, Secretary General, Diabetic Association of Bangladesh; Amanullah Chagla, Director, Padma Textiles Ltd; and Jacob Kahl Jepsen, Commercial Counsellor, Danish Embassy were also present.

 -rmc//