Birzeit raises awareness on diabetes prevention, treatment on eve of World Diabetes Day

Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions at Birzeit University, together with Juzoor for Health and Social Development and the Palestine National Diabetes Program at the Augusta Victoria Hospital, launched the “Diabetes Awareness Day,” on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. 

The day, marking the World Diabetes Day on November 14, included activities such as diabetes checks for students and faculty members, booths that provide information on prevention and treatment of the disease, and a marathon around campus.  

Afaf Jaqaman, a professor in the Department of Nutrition And Dietetics and head of the faculty’s activities committee, said the event not only raises students’ awareness of diabetes, but allows nursing and health professions students to apply what they’ve learned throughout the years. 

Ziad Barad’yeh, mobile clinics field coordinator at the Augusta Victoria Hospital, said the hospital’s efforts are doubled in November, as they visit schools and universities with a mobile clinic and conduct diabetes tests, in addition to providing lifestyle and dietary advice. 

World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14, focuses on raising awareness on diabetes prevention and treatment. Launched in 1991 in response to the rising number of diabetes cases around the world, World Diabetes Day focuses on a different theme each year, with this year’s theme being “The Family and Diabetes.”