Arab Children Health Congress calls for supportive action to address lack of awareness on juvenile diabetes

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The Gulf region in particular, a population of approximately 33 million, has more than 3.5 million Diabetes sufferers. Children as young as ten are being diagnosed with the disease, mainly due to factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and hypertension.

According to a survey conducted by YouGov Siraj, 50% of respondents were able to identify a member of their household as potentially symptomatic of Diabetes. Moreover, the survey indicated that there is lack of awareness that has often led to misinformed decisions and therefore has contributed to high morbidity figures among adults and children.

Commenting on the awareness level in this region and the importance of addressing the problem, H.E. Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director General, Department of Health and Medical Services, mentioned that, 'The public in the region are generally passive towards health issues and with serious diseases such as Diabetes among children increasing at an alarming rate, it is believed that it is time to address the problem and indulge our young generation in a new health culture that would grow with them and result in an increased commitment to health in the long term.'

Therefore, the Arab Children Health Congress that will be held on March 5-8, 2007 will center primarily on Diabetes among Children and will discuss ways to combat this illness by allowing children to assume leadership roles in debating their health issues under its motto 'Hear Me' and carrying the theme 'Children with Diabetes …A Proactive Approach'.

The Arab Children Health Congress will be held under the Patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, and under the directives of her husband Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It will draw a wide range of speakers including national, regional and international governmental, non governmental and private institutions dealing with Diabetes among children, in addition to schools and families. However, the highlight of the Congress will be the children themselves, empowered to communicate their needs in a structured and proactive approach.

The Congress will run from 5-8 March, 2007 and will be cover the following 4 main categories:

1. Prevention & Control
2. Diagnosis & Treatment
3. Nutrition & Exercise
4. Children, Family & School

During the Congress there shall be a poster exhibition where children from different schools in the country will express their views and opinions about Children with Diabetes and their role in combating and handling the disease, with emphasis on the role of school in handling Children with Diabetes. In addition, an election of the Arab Children Health Congress Ambassador for the year 2007 from among the Children with Diabetes will take place during the Congress.