Seyoum ...diabetes
Addis Ababa, November 19, 2007 (Addis Ababa) - Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said the Ethiopian government would do all possible to prevent diabetes.
The government is doing its level best to provide diabetes medicine to low income patients for free, he said.
Speaking at the United Nations World Diabetes Day observed for the 17th time here on Monday, Seyoum said the disease is affecting all segments of the society.
The theme of this year's World Diabetes Day becomes "Diabetes in Children and Adolescents".
The ministry has played role in getting diabetes registered by the UN among diseases that need special attention, Seyoum said and added that the Ministry has also became member of the Ethiopian Diabetes Association.
Seyoum said employees of the ministry are ready to enhance their participation for the realization of plans designed by the association.
Since diabetes is a lifetime disease, the government is doing its level best to provide diabetes medicine to low income patients for free, the Minister noted.
Association President, Dr. Ahmed Reja called on the Ethiopian government to scale up the extensive support it has been providing to diabetes patients. He said other stakeholders should also support the government’s endeavor in the area.
More than 1000 association members and invited guest including association’s honorary President Professor Jemal Abdulkadir took part in the educational discussion organized by the association.
The UN-recognition of World Diabetes Day follows the passage of Resolution 61/225 in December 2006.
The resolution was the first milestone of an ambitious campaign led by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) to raise awareness of diabetes and its serious complications.
The World Diabetes Day Resolution recognizes diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and costly disease that poses severe risks for families, countries and the entire world.