Meet Lina, Amal, and Mahmoud from the Royal Health Awareness Society in Jordan. Since their first Walk in 2018, they have been strong advocates for the initiative and have inspired others to join the fight against diabetes - fostering healthier communities that support individuals and promote inclusivity.
The Royal Health Awareness Society (RHAS) leads diabetes awareness and prevention efforts in Jordan. Their annual Diabetes Walk, an event that supports our Global Diabetes Walk movement for World Diabetes Day on 14 November, promotes physical activity, raises awareness, and fosters a supportive community for those living with diabetes.
‘My passion for promoting health and wellness, coupled with an actual understanding of diabetes' impact, inspired me to become a Walk ambassador in 2018’, shares Lina, Project Manager and Global Diabetes Walk focal point at RHAS.
For Lina, the Walk places physical activity, and the benefits of walking, as a key enabler for our well-being. Yet, Lina emphasises that well-being goes beyond just physical health.
‘I aimed to foster a sense of community and support for those living with diabetes through this event’, she adds.
Amidst her commitment to promoting well-being and a strong community through the Global Diabetes Walk, Lina encountered a poignant moment that deeply reinforced her dedication to creating a supportive environment for individuals living with diabetes.
After learning about Lina's role in organising the Walk, a colleague approached her with a desire to participate. What Lina didn't realize at the time was that the colleague was living with the diabetes themselves. Their courage in sharing their personal story at the event was truly inspiring to Lina. It served as a powerful reminder of the unseen challenges faced by many and reinforced Lina's commitment to creating a supportive network for the people facing these challenges.
Organising Walks has proven to be a valuable learning experience for RHAS, allowing them to adapt and overcome various challenges. These challenges included selecting locations, identifying beneficiaries, and planning logistics.
Their first Walk in 2018 revealed a significant limitation: the event's reach was predominantly confined to specific social circles. Mahmoud, the Programs Director at RHAS, recognised that the path forward required decentralisation, and started to advocate for future Walks to focus on remote areas and for a strong media strategy to enhance their impact.
Amal, the Director General of RHAS, further highlights the essential role of these events in raising awareness about diabetes, promoting physical activity as a crucial element of disease management, and advocating for increased support for diabetes care and services. Amal also points out the necessity of establishing clear objectives and identifying target audiences for better reach.
A key factor in the success of RHAS's Walks in Jordan has been the ability to learn from each Walk and tailor events to specific audiences, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, Amal and Mahmoud share. In 2021, they strategically selected healthcare centres as venues for the Walks to engage hard-to-reach populations. This decision not only fostered participant engagement but also amplified diabetes awareness within the community.
As the journey progressed, reflections and shared experiences motivated the team with renewed determination. The Walk was a powerful testament to community, advocacy, and the commitment to making a positive impact in diabetes care and awareness.