Next World Diabetes Congress to be held in Africa

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 06 Sep 2004 - 15:00 PDT

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The 19th World Diabetes Congress of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 7 December 2006. After an official launch of the congress last June, IDF is promoting the event today at the meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). IDF considers that it is of utmost importance to revisit Africa after more than twenty years of absence, and to raise the profile of diabetes on that continent.

For the African continent, raising awareness of the seriousness of diabetes is fundamental due to the considerable burden that diabetes exerts on often limited health resources. Rapid cultural and social changes, such as growing urbanization and the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles, are resulting in an increase in the numbers of people with and at risk of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes now constitutes more than 85 to 95% of all diabetes cases in developing countries and the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), often called "pre-diabetes" is more than twice that of diabetes in the African Region .

"We hope the Congress will influence African health authorities to prioritize the needs of people with diabetes, assist in the education and empowerment, and deliver a fair and equitable service to them", said the congress Local Organizing Committee chaired by Professor François Bonnici, former Head of the Division of Diabetic Medicine of the University of Cape Town.

The Local Organizing Committee is constituted by members of three important diabetes societies in South Africa: SEMDSA (Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa) representing the professional organization, DSA (Diabetes South Africa) a society for the people affected by or concerned with the condition, and DESSA (Diabetes Education Society of South Africa) aimed at specialist healthcare workers.

Professor Sir George Alberti, former President of IDF and Chair of the Congress Organizing Committee added: "For the global diabetes community, the 19th World Diabetes Congress will present an opportunity to discuss the latest scientific advances in the field, to share knowledge, experience and ideas and to exchange practical information on diabetes care, advocacy and awareness."

IDF World Diabetes Congresses are held every three years and have two primary goals. First, to present the latest research in the field of diabetes worldwide and second, to provide programme sessions aimed at helping IDF member associations to develop strategies necessary to prevent diabetes and to offer optimum healthcare and education for people with the condition.

In addition, a complete stream of the programme will be dedicated to 'Diabetes in Africa'. This stream will give the opportunity to present the audience with the valuable work undertaken in various African countries. Finally, the "Association Village", an exhibition dedicated to the 185 Member Associations of IDF, will represent an ideal forum for the societies to showcase their national projects and exchange knowledge.

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For further information, please visit our IDF stand at Hall B/ F03 or contact Maguy Sicuro, Congress Manager, at maguy@idf.org or +32-2-543 1631(mobile +32-479-853819) or Anne Pierson, PR Manager, at anne@idf.org or +32-2-543 1623 (mobile +32-475-343788).

Reference

Diabetes Atlas 2nd edition, International Diabetes Federation, 2003

Note to editors

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is the only global advocate for people with diabetes and their healthcare providers. Its mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. IDF is a non-governmental organization in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Since IDF first took up the diabetes cause in 1950, it has evolved into an umbrella organization of 185 member associations in 145 countries.

To meet its objectives, the Federation carries out a range of activities, including education for people with diabetes, the promotion of the free exchange of diabetes knowledge, and public awareness campaigns. This year's World Diabetes Day campaign focuses on diabetes and obesity.

International Diabetes Federation
Avenue Emile De Mot 19
B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
telephone 32-2-538 5511
telefax 32-2-538 5114
http://www.idf.org
info@idf.org