Arab Children Health Congress Ambassador for 2007 tours the Middle East

The ambassador handed over the 2007 recommendations, aimed at tackling diabetes in the region, to H.E. Qhadi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority and Dr. Abdul Razak Al Madani, Chairman of the Emirates Diabetic Association and Director of Dubai Hospital.

The road show saw Habiba travel to three different countries within the Middle East, including Qatar, Bahrain and Dubai, where she handed over recommendations to various diabetes associations including the Qatar Diabetes Association and the Bahrain Diabetic Association. She will conclude her visit by handing over the recommendations to the Oman Diabetic Association upon her return to her home country.

The 2007 key strategic recommendations, which were developed by leading global and regional healthcare professionals at last year's Arab Children's Health Congress, focus on providing clear and measurable proposals with the aim of affecting change in regional health policies related to tackling diabetes in the region. The 2007 ACHC Ambassador was also elected at last year's event to represent children with Diabetes. Omani national Habiba Malik Al Tawqi was diagnosed with Diabetes at the age of two. She has undergone amputations to both legs and a kidney transplant as a result of Diabetes related complications. Her experiences have allowed her to shed light on life with Diabetes.

"I am extremely proud to have been elected as the ACHC Ambassador for 2007 and would like to thank the Congress for giving me the opportunity to speak about my experiences. It is important that children hear about my experiences and realize that when they are able to control the disease, they will be able to lead a happy and fulfilling life. It is my hope that these recommendations will see an improvement in the way diabetes is tackled not only in Dubai, but across the region", said Habiba Malik Al Tawqi, ACHC 2007 Ambassador.

"Diabetes is a disease that affects a surprisingly high number of children across the region. It is our aim to ensure that schools, parents, healthcare professionals and the medical community as a whole is proactive about tackling this disease and improving the welfare of our children. We thank Ms. Habiba for all of her hard work. You are an inspiration to us all and we hope you continue with the work you have been doing to raise awareness of the disease in the region", said H.E. Qhadi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director General, Dubai Health Authority.

The Arab Children's Health Congress (ACHC) was launched by Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein in an effort to create a platform for challenged Arab youth and children to discuss health issues and to raise public awareness on health concerns faced by young people in the UAE and the rest of the region. Every year, a child ambassador is chosen to help spread awareness of his / her particular illness and how it can be conquered.

The 2008 Arab Children's Health Congress is scheduled to take place from March 24th to March 27th. The theme for this year's congress will focus on the theme "Healthy Body, Healthy Mind".

The purpose of the congress will be aimed at reviewing current policies, supporting the provision of better healthcare systems, helping children to make healthy lifestyle changes and to ultimately develop a bill of rights for children to improve their overall quality of life.