PM Terrance Drew addresses St Kitts and Nevis on World Diabetes Day 

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew joins the world in observance of World Diabetes Day. On Thursday he addressed the nation to raise awareness about Diabetes and its impact on individuals, families and the entire world.

Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew extended his support to diabetic patients to ensure a healthy and resilient society through educating and engaging programmes regarding this non-communicable disease.

He urged the community leaders and individuals to unite in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by Diabetes.

Additionally, St Kitts Diabetes Association (SKDA) has announced the week of November 10-17, 2023, as Diabetes Awareness Week under the global theme, “Access to Diabetes Care.”

This theme focuses on enhancing the efforts to keep the citizens aware of the complications of Diabetes and to promote healthy living.

Diabetes is a global health challenge that needs collective attention, and Diabetes Week provides an opportunity to unite in the efforts to deal with this pervasive non-communicable disease. 

Diabetes Week-long activities

PM Drew officially opened the St Kitts Diabetes Association Week of Activities in honour of World Diabetes Day, which includes,

– School visits to educate the nation’s youth from November 13-15

– School Symposium and Health Screening is scheduled on November 16

– Health fair on November 17

– Finally, the 9th Annual Walk will be held on November 18 at 5:30 am

Senator Isalean Philip encourages every citizen and resident of the Federation to be present for regular medical checkups for Diabetes. 

She further stated, “Every citizen must pay their attention to foot care in an effort to reduce the likelihood of nerve damage and amputations.”

Moreover, “Diabetes along with other NCDs has now become a socio-economic challenge that affects not just the person who is being diagnosed with the condition but also their families as well”, Minister Phipps commented.

In the Federation, about 13.7% of total death that happened between 2017-2021 were attributed to Diabetes and its complications. At the end of 2020, it was noted that 31.5% of men and 68.5% of women accounted for the cases of Diabetes Mellitus.

World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign, which was introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organization (WHO) in response to the escalating global prevalence of Diabetes.

Since its inception, this day has expanded into a widespread global initiative spanning over 160 countries. 

This initiative has a pivotal role in heightening awareness about this non-communicable disease and championing improved care and prevention measures.