World Diabetes Day: Urgent Call for Action in Southeast Asia

On World Diabetes Day, WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed emphasizes addressing diabetes in Southeast Asia. With 246 million affected, urgent focus is needed on prevention, awareness, and healthcare improvements. The call stresses integrating key programs to manage diabetes, aiming for substantial progress by 2025.

On World Diabetes Day, Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia, highlighted the critical need to address the increasing diabetes burden in the region. This year's theme, "Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps," calls for unified efforts to defeat challenges in accessing diabetes prevention and management services.

Recent estimates indicate that diabetes affects around 246 million people in Southeast Asia, with uncontrolled diabetes leading to severe complications like heart attacks and strokes. Wazed pointed out that more than 60% of affected individuals are unaware of their condition, underscoring the urgency of awareness campaigns.

Access to diabetes care remains challenging, as fewer than one in three adults with diabetes receives treatment. Wazed stressed the immediate need to bolster primary healthcare with essential medicines, diagnostics, and protocols. Progress is underway, aiming to integrate diabetes services into primary care and reach over 23 million people by 2024.