(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), a global initiative of Qatar Foundation has partnered with the Parliamentarians for Diabetes Global Network, a major advocacy programme of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), to present its diabetes report to parliamentarians in Australia and elevate the diabetes debate on the national policy agenda.
WISH inspires and diffuses healthcare innovation and best practice, remaining closely aligned to the vision and mission of Qatar Foundation to unlock human potential and serve to underscore Qatar's pioneering role as an emerging centre for healthcare innovation.
The rise in diabetes around the globe is one of the greatest health catastrophes the world has seen. With 382mn people now affected by the condition, which causes heart disease, stroke, blindness and death, it imposes an immense burden on health systems and national economies, and currently absorbs 11% of global health spending which is equivalent to QR2.2trn.
According to the IDF, between 2013 and 2035, the countries with the highest growth in diabetes prevalence will be the UAE, Oman and Qatar. Rates in the Mena region, as a whole, will increase by 96.2% by 2035.
The WISH report, 'Rising To The Challenge: Preventing and Managing Type 2 Diabetes', revealed that type 2 diabetes is set to affect an estimated 10% of the world's adult population nearly 600mn people by 2035 and calls on policymakers around the world to act to prevent the alarming rise in prevalence rates.
The report was distributed to all members of parliament in Australia to further raise the profile of the condition and inspire stakeholders to action.
Ken Wyatt, chair of the Parliamentary Diabetes Support Group, said, "Diabetes is fast becoming a worldwide epidemic and it is our role to raise awareness about the seriousness of the issue, promote prevention and early detection, and advocate for ways to improve care, support and management of diabetes. The WISH report puts a spotlight on this devastating illness and we are delighted to be working closely with WISH to help stem the tide of diabetes in Australia and beyond."
Prof Lord Darzi of Denham, executive chair of WISH said, "Combatting rising rates of diabetes should be a worldwide priority. Often, the impact of diabetes, alongside other chronic conditions, is underestimated. We must act now to prevent the disease before it becomes unmanageable.
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