ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have said that diabetes has emerged as a major global public health challenge, affecting millions of people across the world.
This was stated by President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif in their separate messages on the occasion of World Diabetes Day.
President Zardari said 'On World Diabetes Day, I call upon all Pakistanis to make prevention, healthy living and early diagnosis a national priority. This year's theme, 'Early Action on Diabetes', reminds us that timely action can save lives and prevent serious complications. The latest International Diabetes Federation estimates indicate that 34.5 million adults in Pakistan were living with diabetes in 2024, with more than one-quarter undiagnosed. This enormous burden demands sustained action to protect the health and well-being of our people'.
President Zardari said 'many cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding tobacco. I urge citizens to reduce sugary drinks, limit foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats, and make walking, exercise and sport part of daily life. Families and schools have a special responsibility to encourage healthy habits from childhood'.
President Zardari said 'Awareness must reach every community throughout the year. I urge the Federal and Provincial Governments, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, media and civil society to organise coordinated campaigns in Urdu and regional languages. These campaigns should provide simple, practical guidance on prevention, warning signs and when and where to seek screening. Our efforts must extend across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Particular attention should be given to women, older persons, low-income families and rural and remote communities. Lady Health Workers, basic health units and community organisations can help bring reliable information and screening closer to people's homes'.
President Zardari said 'Diabetes can develop without obvious symptoms. Awareness campaigns must therefore encourage people to seek professional advice about their risks and appropriate testing. Early diagnosis must be followed by affordable treatment and continuing care. Healthy living also requires supportive public policies. We must promote nutritious and affordable food, healthier school meals, safe drinking water and accessible spaces for walking and recreation, particularly for women and children'.
President Zardari said 'Let us turn awareness into everyday action. By investing in prevention and helping people make healthier choices, we can reduce the burden of diabetes and build a healthier Pakistan'.
PM Shehbaz Sharif in his message said 'On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, Pakistan joins the international community in underscoring the importance of concerted efforts and collective action to prevent and address the growing global burden of diabetes. This year, the day is being observed under the theme, 'Early Action on Diabetes.' The theme highlights the critical importance of timely screening and medical intervention to prevent complications associated with the disease and safeguard precious human lives'.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said 'Diabetes has emerged as a major global public health challenge, affecting millions of people across the world. In Pakistan, the rapid prevalence of diabetes is emerging as a serious public health concern. Early screening and timely diagnosis are essential to identifying individuals at risk and preventing the onset or progression of the disease. Appropriate medical guidance on preventive measures, coupled with access to quality healthcare and treatment facilities, can significantly reduce the risk of complications and other serious health consequences. In this context, the Prime Minister's Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus has been developed as a comprehensive initiative to address this growing challenge'.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said 'The Federal Government has allocated Rs. 6.8 billion for this programme to strengthen and expand effective measures for diabetes prevention and control. The programme aims to expand screening coverage for early detection, improve primary healthcare services, and enhance access to diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, promoting healthy lifestyles, raising public awareness, and strengthening effective coordination between the Federal and Provincial Governments are also being prioritised to ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives'.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said 'I strongly urge all citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles by incorporating regular physical exercise into their daily routines and consuming a balanced, nutritious diet. Regular medical check-ups and screening, along with timely consultation with qualified healthcare professionals, are equally essential to preventing and managing diabetes and ensuring a healthier life. A meaningful reduction in the growing prevalence of diabetes is possible only through collective responsibility, effective policies, greater public awareness of healthy lifestyle choices and sustained investment in healthcare services. Let us renew our collective resolve to secure a healthier, stronger, prosperous and disease-free future for Pakistan'.