14-November-2023 PESHAWAR: Novo Nordisk Pakistan in collaboration with Embassy of Denmark in Pakistan and Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar organized a policy dialogue on World Diabetes Day 2023 in Peshawar.
Policymakers, Government departments, UN, NGOs, academia, media, medical associations, and corporates developed a joint call to action on diabetes and obesity prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyle.
The policy dialogue was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah, H.E. Jakob Linulf Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, Muhammad Yahya Akhunzada, Joint Secretary Ministry of Economic Affairs, Dr. Riaz Anwar Advisor Health to Chief Minister, Secretary Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Aslam Wazir, Director General Health Services Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Shoukat Ali and Rashed Rafique Butt, Vice President & General Manager Novo Nordisk Pakistan including other dignitaries.
Prof. Dr. AH Aamir, Project Director D-TALK and Insulin for Life Program and HOD Endocrinology Unit, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Govt. of KP briefed the audience about growing challenge of diabetes and obesity in Pakistan and efforts to tackle it. He highlighted that the government is committed to tackle the increasing burden through concerted efforts to improve the health status of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Dr. Riaz Anwar Advisor Health to Chief Minister, highlighted the impact of diabetes and obesity on the society and urged a comprehensive to be adopted through Multi-Sectoral Co-ordination that identifies the roles and responsibilities of different sectors.
Speaking at the occasion, the Danish Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Jakob Linulf appreciated the efforts made by the Government of KP and their approach to deal with the diabetes and obesity burden. His words were echoed by Mr. Rashed Rafique Butt, Vice President & General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pakistan, who further highlighted on the importance of Public Private Partnership to counter the chronic diseases like diabetes.
Additional Chief Secretary KP Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah in his concluding remarks appreciated the efforts of Government of KP and the Embassy of Denmark on their initiative to tackle diabetes and obesity through partnerships with multi-stakeholders.
He affirmed governments unwavering political commitment and support to the cause.
The policy dialogue resulted in the development and agreement on a set of recommendations highlighting areas for multi-sectoral collaboration to strengthen capacity, leadership, governance and partnerships to accelerate provincial response for the prevention and control of diabetes and obesity.