Global Diabetes Walk celebrates 15th anniversary 2020

Global Diabetes Walk celebrates 15th anniversary

Since 2004, thousands of Global Diabetes Walks worldwide have raised awareness and galvanized communities. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Global Diabetes Walk. It is a campaign that has become a powerful force for change.

The Global Diabetes Walk began in 2004 with a simple idea. By organizing walks on World Diabetes Day, organizations and individuals could raise awareness about diabetes, and how to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. Walks would be low-cost, educational, and fun. The World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) would help by providing banners, tools, and guidance.

Since then, thousands of Global Diabetes Walks worldwide have raised awareness, galvanized communities, and, in some cases, even changed public policy.

WDF contacted three exceptional organizers to hear what they have achieved with walks in their communities, and to hear tips for making 2019 the most impactful year yet.

Colombia – Fundacion Vida Nueva, Barranquilla

In 2013, the Colombian Ministry of Health recognized the city of Barranquilla for its holistic approach to diabetes awareness and capacity building. To support and build on these accomplishments, the local NGO Fundacion Vida Nueva began organizing annual Global Diabetes Walks. Since November 2013, the NGO has organized annual walks that have attracted approximately 25,000 participants.

Recommendations:

Walk organizers should think big and involve as many different groups as possible, says Alejandro Díaz Bernier, Medico Diabetologo President of the Fundación Vida Nueva.

“I would advise that in the organization of the activities not only involve healthcare personnel and people with diabetes, but also leaders and individuals from all social sectors – universities, employers, teachers, employees, unions, etc,” he says.

India – Jain Hospitals, Uttar Pradesh

Jain Hospitals has organized the largest Global Diabetes Walks in the history of the campaign, inspiring other ambitious organizers worldwide. By collaborating with government officials, the Ministry of Health, and NGOs, Jain Hospitals have organized 898 Walks with 475,000 participants to date.

Recommendations:

The 15th anniversary of the campaign creates opportunities, Dr. Jain says. Jain Hospitals will mark the Walk’s 15th Anniversary by concentrating on schools, colleges, and youth organizations.

Jain Hospitals’ plans include:

• Highlighting the WDD 2019 theme Diabetes: protect your family in posters, banners, and digital media.
• Setting and publicizing a fixed time and place for the walks.
• Inviting government administrators as Chief Guests.
• Inviting celebrities to one or two of the bigger walks to attract younger participants.

“Brisk walking for 30 minutes at least five days a week prevents not only diabetes but other NCDs, and it increases joy hormones. Walking is a great way to communicate, laugh with our friends, sisters, and brothers, and leads to connectedness with nature and self-awareness,” he says.

For more information:https://diabetesvoice.org/en/advocating-for-diabetes/global-diabetes-walk-turns-fifteen/

Visit the Global Diabetes Walk website, or contact WDF Walk Campaign Manager Kristoffer Kretzmann.