Southeast Asia is grappling with a significant public health concern as the World Health Organization (WHO) reports over 482,000 diabetes-related deaths each year, spotlighting the urgent need for enhanced prevention and control measures. The staggering statistic serves as a wake-up call for countries across the region, including India, where diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Diabetes, often seen as just another lifestyle disease, can lead to severe complications like blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and even lower limb amputations. The WHO has highlighted these risks, emphasizing the need for cohesive action to combat the diabetes epidemic.
Progress has been made; according to the WHO, as of June 2024, over 60 million individuals have been enrolled in protocol-based management systems for diabetes and hypertension, with aspirations to reach 100 million participants by 2025. Nonetheless, the organization notes the roadblocks still present. Remarkably, more than 260,000 children and adolescents battling Type 1 diabetes are struggling to access necessary insulin and monitoring.
The theme of the recently held Regional Commemoration of World Diabetes Day 2024, which took place from November 21 to 22 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was aptly titled 'Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps'. During this pivotal gathering, health experts and officials emphasized the dire necessity for equitable and accessible health services for all.
Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, pointed out, "Bridging the service gaps to guarantee timely access to diabetes care can save lives." She underlined the importance of recognizing diabetes care as everyone's responsibility, encompassing governments, healthcare providers, and communities alike.
At the summit, health officials and experts ratified the 'Colombo Call to Action', which outlines collective commitments among the member countries to intensify their efforts. The call seeks to harmonize efforts to innovate, educate, treat, and track diabetes management. This initiative places emphasis on reducing diabetes risks and ensuring quality treatment access for diagnosed individuals.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's Director-General, stressed the urgency of addressing this epidemic by underscoring, "More than half of the 800 million people living with diabetes do not receive treatment. We must intensify efforts to meet global targets and guarantee improved prevention, diagnosis, and management of diabetes."
Countries within the WHO Southeast Asia region have already shown commendable progress within their healthcare systems for diabetes management. They are now being urged to fortify primary healthcare to escalate the prevention and control of diabetes. Priorities include improving access to fundamental medicines, especially insulin, and integrating diabetes care within broader health programs, ensuring no one gets left behind.
Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Minister of Health, reflected the government's commitment saying, “We recognize we can accomplish much more through continuous advocacy, health promotion, and ensuring a steady supply of quality medicines.” This echoes the larger coordinated response needed to tackle diabetes head-on, which has been increasingly attributed to unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and rising obesity levels among the youth.
The Colombo gathering brought together over 100 health officials and experts, paving the way for important collaborations among countries to tackle diabetes together. The discussions revealed alarming realities—not only among children but also the rising trend of Type 2 diabetes occurring among young individuals.
Moving forward, the WHO recommends several actions, including equipping primary healthcare facilities with standard treatment guidelines, empowering healthcare professionals, and raising awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. These elements are pivotal to addressing the rapidly increasing demand for diabetes prevention and care.
The WHO has set ambitious targets for diabetes management by 2030, aiming to establish national goals for diabetes coverage to be achieved within the next six years. Yet, with the current state of diabetes care, the challenges faced by many remain visibly apparent.
It's clear from recent findings and discussions at the Colombo event, the path toward closing gaps in diabetes care and care access is long and arduous, but it is not insurmountable. Wazed expressed optimism, stating, "The task requires collective engagement and shared responsibility among governments, healthcare providers, and communities to prevail over barriers."
With concerted efforts from health officials, governments, and communities to implement the 'Colombo Call to Action', Southeast Asia stands at the crossroads of potential progress. Lives are at stake as the region strives to manage and mitigate the impacts of diabetes, ensuring accessible healthcare for all afflicted individuals. The pursuit of healthier lifestyles must not just be encouraged but actively promoted to combat this growing health crisis.
