Sheikh Hasina named ‘global ambassador for diabetes’

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been named ‘global ambassador for diabetes’ by the International Diabetes Federation at the World Diabetes Congress 2022 in Portugal.

Tarik Ahsan, Bangladesh ambassador to Portugal, received the certificate on behalf of Hasina from IDF President-Elect Akhtar Hussain.

The opening ceremony in Lisbon was attended by outgoing IDF President Andrew Boulton, other office bearers and congress participants. The participants included doctors, health professionals and medical personnel, many of whom were from Bangladesh. Officials of the Bangladesh embassy as well as leaders, journalists and members of the expatriate Bangladesh community of Portugal also attended the event.

The honorary title of global ambassador is bestowed upon an individual in recognition of their contribution to improving the lives of people living with diabetes. The individual is expected to be the voice of those living with diabetes worldwide for two years. Hasina is the first to receive the title.

In a video message, Hasina thanked the IDF for the honour and expressed her regret at not being able to attend the event in person.

In Bangladesh, more than 8.5 million people, including children, live with diabetes and related co-morbidities, while the number is around 422 million worldwide, she said.

Emphasising the importance of changing dietary habits and raising public awareness, Hasina said that Bangladesh is giving due importance to diabetes prevention and control through community awareness and implementation of the pro-people health policy.