November marked the 20th Diabetes Awareness Month of the Global Diabetes Walk campaign, and we are thrilled that thousands of people joined us to celebrate the Walk’s special anniversary
13 December 2024 Effie Voursouki
Our campaign has stayed true to its heart, keeping the focus on large-scale outdoor walks. We've been reaching out and connecting with new walk organisers and communities all over the world. A big part of our success comes from our Ambassadors - they're not just advocates for diabetes awareness, they're a global family inspiring others to enjoy the simple pleasure of walking and staying active.
Even with the challenges many countries are facing currently, it's been amazing to see so many organisations around the world stepping up and joining in. This year, we received approximately 340 registered Walks with over 50,000 participants and more than 60 countries represented.
Most of the Walks and health-related activities took place on 14 November, celebrated globally as World Diabetes Day (WDD).
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2024-2026 is Diabetes and well-being. As a result, the campaign this year highlighted the benefits of exercise for the physical, societal and mental well-being of people at risk or living with diabetes.
Imagine a month buzzing with a flurry of activities, all united by a single noble cause - educating people about diabetes. Picture community members coming together for walks or participating in educational online sessions, where knowledge is not just shared, but absorbed, understood, and put into practice. Imagine the relief and gratitude of those who received free testing, an opportunity that could potentially save lives.
And lastly, envision the tireless volunteers and self-support groups, their hands filled with informative materials, their hearts filled with the desire to make a difference. This was not just any month, it was a month filled with purpose, passion, and the power to change lives.
Participants from all walks of life came together to support the cause. From Nigeria to Denmark, from India to Argentina, people walked in solidarity, demonstrating the global commitment to tackling diabetes.
Here are a few of these inspiring stories:
'Our goal is to empower individuals to lead healthier lives' - Nasiru Alhaji Shaba
Our Walk ambassador in Nigeria, Nigeria's Centre for Diabetes Foot and Wound Care Foundation, is transforming lives through community engagement, proving that every small step can lead to significant change in the fight against diabetes.
One of the Walk’s Ambassadors in Georgia, the NCD Alliance, collaborated with the Endocrinology Department of Tbilisi State Medical University Paediatric Clinic. They organized a walk with participation of children living with diabetes and their parents followed by a large awareness raising event.
Together with the Georgian Diabetes and Endocrine Associations Union they also organised a reception in the Tbilisi City Council. High level decision-makers, including MPs, Ministries, Tbilisi City Council, health providers, representatives of international and local organisations and people living with diabetes joined the event. Up to 500 people walked and participated in the related events.
Each Walk Ambassador holds a vital position in enabling local communities to enhance their understanding and knowledge about diabetes. Nonetheless, it's important to remember that every single organiser, whether it is an individual or represents an organisation, is creating significant impact in the battle against diabetes. They advocate for the importance of physical activity, underscoring how regular exercise can significantly improve one's health, boost mood, enhance longevity, and reduce the risk of various diseases.
They are champions of change, inspiring people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Such an example is a new organiser from Brazil, the Sociedade Brasileira de Diabetes.
SBD managed to host a walk and run with 1200 participants. In addition to running and walking, they performed 450 blood glucose tests, they offered guidance on healthy nutrition, physical activity and foot care and performed diabetic retinopathy screening.
‘The activities of WDD had an impactful effect on patients with diabetes and at-risk individuals, which will positively affect their health and help spread awareness to the community.’ - Royal Health Awareness Society
Our Jordanian Ambassador, the Royal Health Awareness Society (RHAS), partnered with the Ministry of Education to involve over 65 schools in WDD celebrations. They also engaged 111 health centers and reached over 2,200 people through a collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Additionally, an awareness day was hosted at Al Za’atari Camp for Syrian refugees.
‘A Milestone Moment’
2024 was the first year that the Danish Diabetes Association, also known as Diabetesforeningen, joined our cause. The Association facilitated numerous walking events across Denmark, leveraging their extensive network of walking groups.
We must not forget to highlight the successful Walk in Bagsværd, Denmark, where WDF was a proud participant. Our main donor, Novo Nordisk, through its dedicated Novohealth department, held a Walk involving around 300 of its employees. Their robust network of ambassadors succeeded in rallying employees from a total of 20 countries.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the ambassadors, organisers and participants of the 2024 Global Diabetes Walk campaign! Your efforts have not only raised awareness about diabetes, but also demonstrated the power of global solidarity in the face of a common challenge.
As we look forward to the next 20 years, we are reminded of the importance of our mission and the need for continued action. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes.