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Abu Dhabi's Walk UAE 2007 hailed a success
- United Arab Emirates: Saturday, November 24 - 2007 at 16:10
- PRESS RELEASE
Mubadala's CEO, His Excellency Khaldoon Al Mubarak led more than 4,500 people as the nation paced a five kilometre route along Abu Dhabi's corniche to mark the region's first-ever walkathon against diabetes.
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Walk UAE, which took place on 23rd November 2007 is part of the nationwide public health awareness ampaign, 'DIABETES.KNOWLEDGE.ACTION.', by Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC), in association with Emirates Foundation.
His Excellency was joined by HAAD's chairman and CEO, H.E. Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Dr. Michael Bitzer CEO and senior officials of the National Health Insurance Company - Daman and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), among other leading corporations.
Event organisers, ICLDC confirmed that almost 5,000 participants were head counted, including children and baby strollers: "We have registered just over 4,250 walkers comprising individuals and corporate teams, but when under-twelve's are included, the number who actually joined the walk in the nation's fight against diabetes is estimated at just under 5,000 - and we are thrilled," said Johnny Hazboun, WALK UAE's project leader. He said that the walkathon received exceptionally strong support from corporate firms, individuals and the media.
Walk UAE is just one of many nationwide activities organised (so far this year) to throw the spotlight on the debilitating disease. Daman, joined hands with ICLDC, to drive the walkathon initiative as the event's exclusive sponsor. ADTA also put its weight behind the event.
Dr. Maha Taysir Barakat, Endocrinologist and Medical & Research Director at Abu Dhabi's ICLDC acknowledge the success : "In this first year, since its launch in February 2007, the 'DIABETES.KNOWLEGE.ACTION.' campaign has united thousands of UAE nationals and residents in support of the diabetes cause. More than 30,000 people have received consultation as a result of 'I WONDER' roaming diabetes screening booth, now at Dubai's Mall of the Emirates, supported by HSBC Middle East, and the display of support for this walkathon is outstanding.'
She said that the World Health Organization reports that approximately 150 million people worldwide have diabetes, and the number is projected to double by the year 2025. Meanwhile, the UAE has second highest diabetes prevalence in the world with 19.6%.
The walkathon started near the Marina Mall area at 3pm on Friday, November 23 2007 and hundreds of 'diabetes-blue' balloons were released to mark the event. Following the opening ceremony, young Emirati volunteers from Emirates Foundation lined the route to cheer on the thousands of walkers and to give them a hand, if needed. The walk ended with a spectacular UAE traditional dance performance and a prize draw.
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About Imperial College London Diabetes CentreThe Imperial College London Diabetes Centre is a state-of-the-art specialised out-patient clinic dedicated to help detect, prevent and treat diabetes. The centre is a one-stop-facility that specialises in Diabetes Treatment, Research, Training and Public Health. Located in Abu Dhabi (next to the Zayed Military Hospital), ICLDC allows the highest level of specialised patient care, from first diagnosis to the continued management of all complications associated with diabetes.
Imperial College London holds a renowned history and expertise in the study of diabetes, bringing one of the leading medical academic institutions in the world to Abu Dhabi as a core working partner. Under ICLDC practices, one of the Centre's primary objectives will be to provide continuing education for health professionals and the general public.
About Emirates Foundation
The Emirates Foundation, created in 2005, represents a unique, multi-sector effort to create a new range of opportunities for the people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Through philanthropic projects within our four core areas of interest, we seek to engage all individuals and groups in the UAE to usher in a new era of mutual achievement.
The four core areas for our work are: education; research & development; arts & culture; and social & environmental development.
All activities are designed to benefit the broader public, both directly and indirectly. In many cases, the success of our projects is dependent on large-scale public participation. Explore our website to learn more about the role that we play in our community. www.emiratesfoundation.ae
About National Health Insurance Company - Daman
The National Health Insurance Company - Daman, was established on 01 May 2006. Today it is the region's leading health insurance company, providing comprehensive healthcare solutions to over 850,000 customers in the UAE via the largest network of private hospitals and pharmacies available.
With affordable health insurance for people of all income levels, Daman offers
international standard healthcare insurance cover for both individuals and companies.
A 24-hour dedicated Medical Authorisation Center, staffed by a team of doctors and nurses, ensures that patient enquiries are dealt with speedily and efficiently using the most sophisticated technology available. A second customer hotline, also open 24/7 and manned by 30, multilingual staff, guarantees that UAE residents can access information about plans and their insurance cover whenever and wherever they want.
With an international network of 18 countries, Daman's customers have access to healthcare provision in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Germany, USA, UK, Spain, Russia, Austria, Switzerland and India, in addition to the UAE, depending on the terms of their personal cover. www.damanhealth.ae
About Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority is the statutory body established in 2004 with wide ranging responsibilities for the promotion and development of the emirate's international tourism industry. The mandate covers three primary areas : Destination Marketing, Infrastructure and product development. Regulation, licensing and classification.
Key ADTA responsibilities include the development of an overall tourism strategy for Abu Dhabi - the largest of the seven emirates which form the UAE Federation - directing the implementation of activities needed to achieve strategic objectives and creating the physical infrastructure required by tourism operators and their clientele. www.abudhabitourism.ae
For media enquiries:
Susan Furness
Strategic Solutions for ICLDC
Tel : +9714 3903033
Mobile : +97150 6556126
Anu Bhatnagar
Strategic Solutions for ICLDC
Tel: + 9714 3903018
Mobile: + 97150 7286803
Posted by Medilyn Manibo, Assistant News EditorSaturday, November 24 - 2007 at 16:10 UAE local time (GMT+4)
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