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ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP):”World Diabetes Day” was observed at National Press Club (NPC), featuring a “Health Fair” and “Awareness Walk,” aiming to promote early diagnosis, prevention, and healthier lifestyle choices to curb diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
These events were jointly organized under patronage of President of Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), Masood-ur-Rehman Kayani, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt, NPC President Azhar Jatoi, Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA), the Center for Peace, Development Initiatives (CPDI) and others, said a press release on Friday.
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar attended as the chief guest.
Health experts at the event sounded the alarm over the escalating diabetes cases, noting that data from previous years showed a sharp surge in patient numbers, along with an additional one million people now in the pre-diabetic stage.
Diabetes and related complications are now causing around 1,100 deaths daily in the country, according to the underscored.
At the health fair, more than four hundred journalists and their family members received free medical check-ups, diagnostic tests, and medicines. Specialist doctors from cardiology, oncology, gynecology, pediatrics, dermatology, psychiatry, ophthalmology, urology, and other fields offered their services.
A large number of health professionals, government officials, civil society members, youth, media persons, and citizens participated in the walk. Participants carried placards urging them to adopt evidence-based public health measures, including increasing taxes on ultra-processed products, enforcing Front-of-Pack Warning Labels and banning partially hydrogenated oils — a key source of harmful trans fats.
Online podcast sessions were also held during the occasion, where medical experts discussed the health risks posed by ultra-processed food and sugary drinks.
The event concluded with the distribution of certificates of appreciation to doctors, paramedics, and pharmaceutical representatives for their contributions to the health fair.