Islamabad: On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, President Asif Ali Zardari has called for a national emphasis on the prevention, early diagnosis, and management of diabetes, highlighting the urgency of addressing this growing health concern. The theme for this year, “Early Action on Diabetes,” emphasizes the importance of timely measures to prevent severe health complications associated with the disease.

According to Press Information Department, President Zardari drew attention to the 2024 estimates from the International Diabetes Federation, which reported that 34.5 million adults in Pakistan were living with diabetes, with over one-quarter of those cases undiagnosed. The president stressed the need for continued efforts to safeguard the health of the population, urging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles through balanced diets, regular physical activity, and avoidance of tobacco.

President Zardari outlined the roles of families, schools, and communities in promoting healthy habits from an early age. He emphasized the importance of coordinated awareness campaigns, encouraging federal and provincial governments, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, media, and civil society to disseminate practical guidance on diabetes prevention and early detection across the country.

The president called for these efforts to target all regions, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with special focus on vulnerable groups such as women, older adults, low-income families, and those in rural and remote areas.

Additionally, President Zardari advocated for public policies that support healthy living, such as promoting nutritious food, healthier school meals, safe drinking water, and accessible recreational spaces. He concluded by urging Pakistanis to transform awareness into daily action to reduce the diabetes burden and improve public health.