Nearly 34.5 million people in Pakistan affected by diabetes
The WHO urged early detection and prevention on World Diabetes Day, while the prime minister announced Rs6.8 billion for a national diabetes programme.
Nearly 34.5 million people in Pakistan are affected by diabetes, the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Saturday.
The day carries the theme 'Early Action on Diabetes', and the World Health Organization stressed that prevention and early detection allow prompt treatment and help avoid serious complications.
The WHO advised people to eat healthy diets, do at least 150 minutes of exercise a week and get regular medical check-ups, which it called crucial to preventing diabetes.
Dr Luo Dapeng, the WHO representative in Pakistan, said the agency stands with the government and people to strengthen prevention, early detection and timely treatment.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued separate messages calling for joint efforts to prevent and control diabetes through early screening, timely diagnosis and healthy lifestyles.
Zardari called on federal and provincial governments, health professionals, educational institutions and the media to run coordinated awareness campaigns, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Sharif said diabetes is emerging as a serious public health concern in Pakistan, and that early screening and timely medical intervention are essential to prevent complications.
Sharif said the federal government has allocated Rs6.8 billion for the Prime Minister's Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes.
The programme aims to expand screening for early detection, strengthen primary healthcare services and improve access to diagnosis and treatment.
