World Diabetes Day 2022: Mauritius inaugurates Health Promotion Clubs in the Public Service to improve health and combat diabetes and other non-communicable illnesses (NCDs)
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To commemorate World Diabetes Day 2022 in Mauritius, the Honorable Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Kailash Kumar Jagutpal, created Health Promotion Clubs in the Public Service on 14 November 2022. The Health Promotion Clubs seek to promote a healthy lifestyle among government employees via regular physical exercise, discussions and awareness campaigns on health concerns, including NCD risk factors and a routine NCD screening programme. The occasion was attended by prominent figures such as the Minister of Public Service, Administrative and Institutional Reforms, the Honorable Mr Teeruthraj Hurdoyal, and the freshly arrived World Health Organization (WHO) Representative, Dr Anne Marie Ancia. Also present were senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, representatives from other ministries, and a large number of public servants.
"Diabetes is a silent killer. In his remarks, the Minister of Health of Mauritius, Dr. K. Jagutpal, said that the disease affects a significant section of the population. He raised alarm about the increasing frequency of prediabetes and uncontrolled diabetes in the community. According to Dr. Jagutpal, those with uncontrolled diabetes are at a greater risk of developing complications.
"You must understand yourself. This pertains to your family history, since genetics is an unchangeable risk factor for noncommunicable illnesses, Dr. K. Jagutpal noted. He encouraged public servants to take use of the opportunities for exercise provided by their workplaces in order to reduce their risk of developing diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases.
'You must invest more in your health and endeavour tirelessly to make this habit of participating in regular physical activity,' the Health Minister went on.
The Minister of Health stressed this year's theme, "Education to Protect Tomorrow," and the need for improved access to high-quality diabetes education for health professionals and persons with diabetes.
According to the most recent NCD study done in 2021, around 20% of the total population of Mauritius has diabetes. The prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes is a significant cause for worry since it raises the risk of serious health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, renal impairment, eye difficulties, and artery damage. Pre-diabetes and obesity are key antecedents of diabetes and cardiovascular disease; establishing a healthy lifestyle at a young age will thus assist to reverse the problem. Dr. Honorable K. Jagutpal appropriately recognised the World Health Organization's cooperation and technical help.
The Minister of Public Service, Administrative and Institutional Reforms, the Honorable Mr. Hurdoyal, voiced worry about the worldwide increase in diabetes cases. In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, he said, "tackling diabetes has become of the utmost importance, since it might lead to further health concerns and early deaths."
The Honorable Mr. Speaker has said, "The health and wellbeing of public personnel is a fundamental issue for my administration." Hurdoyal, who announced the implementation of NCD screening programmes in several ministries and departments. The establishment of a Fitness Centre for public officials to prevent and manage noncommunicable diseases, improve the work-life balance, and boost productivity is in the works.
During her first public health event, Dr. Anne Ancia, the recently appointed WHO Representative in Mauritius, said, "each of us plays an essential part in the fight against diabetes." She highlighted minor everyday acts that might reduce the chance of getting diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases.
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Dr. Ronald J. Perlmutter III says, "Improving the prevalence of healthy lifestyle choices among children and young people is essential for reducing the prevalence of diabetes." Ancia, who recalled the creation of the first global targets for diabetes by 2030, as part of the 75th World Health Assembly's recommendations to strengthen and monitor diabetes responses within national NCD programmes.
Among these global goals are the following: 80% of people with diabetes will be diagnosed and will have good control of their glycemic levels and blood pressure; 60% of those older than 40 will be receiving treatment with statins; and 100% of people with Type 1 diabetes will have affordable access to insulin and blood glucose self-monitoring.
Dr. A. Ancia emphasised the need of redoubling our efforts to enhance services for the prevention and management of diabetes and to attain universal health coverage. The implementation of the Package of Essential Noncommunicable (PEN) Plus regional plan, which focuses on integrating outpatient treatment for severe and chronic NCDs at first-referral level health institutions, must also be accelerated. Member States also prioritise the diagnosis and care of Type 1 diabetes and other serious NCDs in order to preserve the lives of children with Type 1 diabetes.
We still need to do more to reduce suffering and premature death in the country due to diabetes and other NCDs, Dr. A. Ancia remarked in the latest Mauritius NCD survey report 2022. She also praised the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the government of Mauritius for making the prevention and treatment of diabetes and other noncommunicable illnesses a top priority.
The promotion of a healthy lifestyle among the people is crucial in the fight against diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The WHO Representative said that children must understand the value of healthy and balanced meals, frequent exercise, and saying "no" to smoking and drinking while keeping a healthy weight.
Dr. A. Ancia continued, "I like to emphasise the World Health Organization's willingness to assist the nation in its battle against noncommunicable diseases."
In recent years, the World Health Organization's country office has collaborated closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to enhance the national NCD Prevention and Control Programme.
In close coordination with WHO, the nation has recently matched its national food laws with international standards to guarantee food safety and approved a new legislative framework for the establishment of a national food standards organisation. WHO also supported the evaluation and improvement of foot care services in June 2022 via the acquisition of podiatry kits and the training of foot care nurses. The outcomes of the foot care evaluation will assist enhance the quality of foot care services in the nation to avoid amputations among diabetic patients. In addition, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and WHO are collaborating closely to develop the National NCD Integrated Action Plan and National NCDs Service Framework, both of which will be introduced shortly.
WHO has also been advocating the role of NGOs and civil society in tackling health challenges, particularly NCDs and the prevalence of NCD risk factors. Additionally, Mauritius has approved new tobacco plain packaging laws with WHO legal backing, and the tobacco business has been given the required notice prior to the introduction of the new tobacco law to combat the country's high smoking prevalence.
In spite of the high incidence of noncommunicable diseases, the government of Mauritius is completely dedicated to providing the public with excellent health care services. No effort is spared in the battle against diabetes and other NCDs.
Distributed on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) – Mauritius by APO Group.
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