PM named global ambassador for diabetes by IDF

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was named the "Global Ambassador for Diabetes" by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) at the opening ceremony of the World Diabetes Congress 2022 held in Lisbon yesterday.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Portugal Tarik Ahsan received the certificate on behalf of the prime minister from the Prof Akhtar Hussain, president-elect of the IDF.

In a video message, Hasina said that in Bangladesh more than 8.5 million people, including children, live with diabetes and related comorbidities, while the number is around 422 million worldwide.

She said Bangladesh is giving due importance to diabetes prevention and control through community awareness and implementation of the pro-people health policy. Bangladesh offers free treatment to diabetes patients in public sector hospitals and started offering insulin for free as well.

More than 18,000 community clinics and union health centres across the country are equipped with trained professionals and diabetes testing facilities.

In his speech, Tarik Ahsan said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a champion of people-centric development.

He remarked that, under her leadership, Bangladesh has become a role model for developing countries by achieving impressive socio-economic development through human development of the population, particularly in the areas of health, education and women empowerment.

The ceremony was attended by outgoing President of IDF Prof Andrew Boulton, other office bearers of IDF and participants of the Congress. Participants included doctors, health professionals and medical personnel.

The honourary title of global ambassador for diabetes is bestowed upon one individual in recognition of his or her contribution to improving the lives of people living with diabetes.

The global ambassador for diabetes is expected to represent the voice of people living with diabetes worldwide for two years.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the first global ambassador for diabetes.