World Economic Forum India Summit Addresses Non-Communicable Disease
Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly occupying a central part of the agenda at major world policy and business meetings. The World Economic Forum’s India Economic Summit held a panel discussion to highlight the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, on November 14, in Delhi, coincident with World Diabetes Day. There, according to news reports, Dinesh Trivedi, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, said that since so much of healthcare in India is provided privately, partnerships between the public and private sectors will be necessary to reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes. “Government alone,” says Trivedi, “cannot do anything. We need private partners to make a difference.”
Interestingly, panelists noted that some of the same strategies used to tackle infectious disease in India may be applied in the fight against non-communicable diseases; awareness and education programs in particular are vital to prevention efforts.
In Other News: MENA Diabetes Leadership Forum
Recently, the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Diabetes Leadership Forum was held in Dubai. Government representatives and global health experts from around the world came together to discuss the incredible toll that diabetes is taking on the region. Currently UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman are in the top 10 states with the highest level of diabetes.
On December 12, former U.S. President Bill Clinton spoke out strongly against diabetes – noting that if current trends continue, the disease will “dramatically erode the productivity of the economy,” in a manner that will be “hard for any nation to sustain.”
The remarkable result? All 22 nations in attendance pledged their commitment to unite and reduce the burden of diabetes through policy, prevention and treatment , education and research.
As 2010 draws to a close, we look forward to making great strides for NCDs and their prevention in the New Year. The Arogya World family wishes you a very happy holiday and good health!