WISH supports Arab Diabetes Medical Congress to highlight fight against the disease

The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), a global initiative of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), is lending its support to the Arab Diabetes Medical Congress taking place in Doha, Qatar, on 23-25 April 2015.

Diabetes is a disease that is prevalent in the Gulf region, with the incidence as high as 12-18 per cent across the Middle East. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), by 2035, the countries with the highest growth in diabetes prevalence will be the UAE, Oman and Qatar. Rates in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as a whole will increase by 96.2 per cent by 2035. Meanwhile, treating the complications associated with diabetes can account for up to 11 per cent of healthcare spending.

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Taking place in Oryx Rotana, Doha, the Arab Diabetes Medical Congress is organised by Maarefah Management in partnership with Qatar Diabetes Association and under the patronage of the Supreme Council of Health in Qatar. The Congress will bring together experts from the around the word to discuss preventative measures and improved treatment for tackling the increasing occurrence of diabetes in the Middle East.

Dr. Doaa Said, Managing Director of Maarefah, the organiser of the Arab Diabetes Congress, said: “Today, diabetes is a major and rising health concern in the GCC region and it is a devastating disease that poses severe risks and costs for the healthcare community, therefore it is important to gather the main stakeholders including health authorities, medical associations, diabetes experts and researchers to exchange knowledge and generate new ideas that will foster the advancement in prevention and control of diabetes in our countries.”

As part of the Congress, WISH will distribute its recently published report “Rising To The Challenge: Preventing and Managing Type 2 Diabetes” to all attendees; sharing recommendations and extensive research undertaken in the lead up to the recent WISH summit held in February in Qatar. WISH’s participation underscores its commitment to inspire and diffuse healthcare innovation and best practice through a global network of high-level policymakers, academics and industry leaders. It remains closely aligned to the vision and mission of Qatar Foundation to unlock human potential and underscore Qatar’s pioneering role as an emerging centre for healthcare innovation.

Mr Egbert Schillings, CEO of WISH, said: “The Arab Diabetes Medical Congress is an essential conduit for thought-leaders, policy makers and healthcare experts to align and work together on addressing this huge health threat. Type 2 Diabetes is fast becoming a regional epidemic and we cannot underestimate the impact this disease will have on society, workforces and future generations. “Our Diabetes report, which we are sharing with the attendees, provides recommendations for policymakers to more effectively prevent diabetes and to also ensure effective treatment for those with the illness. It is our hope that healthcare leaders from the region will adopt some of these recommendations for the benefit of their populations.”

To download the WISH Diabetes report or for more information about WISH, please visit www.wish.org.qa.

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