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UNRWA Health Programme in Gaza marks World Diabetes Day

22 November 2016

The UNRWA Health Programme in Gaza celebrated World Diabetes Day on 14 November 2016 with a variety of activities that highlighted the importance of taking action against the rapid spread of diabetes among Palestine refugees. Activities were also held to remind those in Gaza to participate in screenings to detect the illness at an early stage. The global theme in 2016 is “Eyes on Diabetes.”

One of the events was held in UNRWA Maen Health Centre in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The Health Centre organized a closing ceremony for their awareness activities on diabetes and to celebrate World Diabetes Day. Senior UNRWA officials, health staff, patients with diabetes and their families attended the ceremony and two neighbouring UNRWA schools – Maen Elementary School and Maen Preparatory School – also participated.

The event included speeches from UNRWA Programme officials in Gaza, songs, a poem and sketches including a dialogue between a student and a doctor on how to follow a healthy lifestyle that avoids being vulnerable to diabetes.

A group photo of UNRWA Maen Health Centre staff and Dr. Isa Saleh, UNRWA Field Disease Control Officer, who contributed to the diabetes day activities holding a sign “together against diabetes” in the Health Centre in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Rushdi Al SarrajSpeaking to the attendees, Dr. Rihab Quqa, the Khan Younis Area Health Officer, said at the World Diabetes Day ceremony: “Our message is to spread awareness of the importance of early detection of diabetes.” She also asked the attendees to convey the ceremony’s message in order to reach more people in the community. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Rushdi Al SarrajDr. Isa Saleh, Field Disease Control Officer Gaza, highlighted the figures on diabetes cases in Gaza. He said that diabetes is the fourth cause of death in Palestine and it is increasing by four per cent annually. He also said: “from 25 to 31 per cent of UNRWA total expenditure on medicine is spent on medicines for the treatment of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes.” © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Rushdi Al SarrajAkram Al-Sha’er, a Lab Technician at the UNRWA Maen Health Centre, recited a poem on the importance of community awareness of diabetes and the importance of following healthy eating habits and working out. The poem is written in a simple informal language, with a message easily understood by everyone. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Rushdi Al SarrajStudents from Maen Preparatory School performed a sketch that included advice on eating habits and the necessity to conduct screening to detect diabetes in its early stages. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Rushdi Al SarrajStudent Menna Kaware’, a member of Maen Elementary school parliament, conducted a dialogue sketch between her and a doctor. The sketch included questions and answers on diabetes aimed at providing advice to people on how to avoid being susceptible to the illness. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Rushdi Al SarrajA song was performed by students from UNRWA Maen Preparatory School to raise awareness on diabetes and to encourage the cultivation of healthy lifestyle habits. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Rushdi Al Sarraj

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