The Global Diabetes Walk initiated by the World Diabetes Foundation has been a hallmark in uniting countries for the awareness and prevention of diabetes throughout the globe.
16 October 2012 Aishath Shiruhana
The Global Diabetes Walk initiated by the World Diabetes Foundation has been a hallmark in uniting the countries for the awareness and prevention of diabetes throughout the globe.
The Diabetes Society of Maldives became a member of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2002, and since then we have participated in many events, including the Global Diabetes Walk every year.
In 2011, we organized an extraordinary diabetes Walk that captivated the Maldives. Our walkathon, “Walk with Friends”, was a great success as it accomplished the main objective of creating awareness of the general public and the policy makers.A steering committee, comprised of members from civil society and physical trainers was set up. Weeks of planning concluded in a twelve hours continuous Walk around the capital island, Male’.
We coordinated the Walk with a total of 20 teams representing government offices, private companies, organizations and other NGOs. The Walk was a 12 hour Walk carried out from 6 in the morning 6 in the evening. Out of 200 islands from the archipelago, 180 islands participated in this event. We estimate that 20,500 people participated and covered a distance of 55,000 kilometres.
The Walk was broadcasted live on national TV channel as well as on radio. Furthermore, awareness programs were run throughout the week and used as a build up for the event. The event culminated with a flash mob that stirred the Maldivians.
The walkathon, Walk with Friends was awarded as the best Global Diabetes Walk, in the category 1: awareness and advocacy.
For 2012, we are currently working on an even bigger event that would make a mark in the history of Maldives. During an entire month, our walk “Steps for Diabetes” will cover all the islands, starting from the northernmost atoll to the southernmost island, S. Gan. In this manner we will achieve the participation of all islanders and hence, carry the message of uniting for diabetes to all corners of Maldives.
The event is programmed in a manner to fill the TV and radio channels, and to make an impact across Maldives for diabetes. This event will also have pre-programs of awareness programs and we have merged the “Pin a Personality” program with the event, where we will be pinning prominent personalities from Maldives. With this colourful combination of events we aim towards obtaining success again.
Diabetes Society of Maldives facebook pagehttp://www.dsmaldives.orgWDF supported project in the Maldives