DIABETES ACTION DAYS: EDUCATE, ENGAGE, EMPOWER-I
Dates: October 1 – November 14, 2024
Culminating Events: November 14 and November 28, 2024
Location: Schools and Hospital in Kirkuk, Iraq
Organizer: Kirkuk Medical College

Kirkuk Medical College launched the “Diabetes Action Days” initiative to raise awareness about diabetes, promote healthy lifestyles, and engage the community in meaningful preventive measures. With a focus on education, empowerment, and community outreach, this initiative was structured in multiple phases to maximize its impact.

Part 1: School Outreach Activities

Duration: October 1 – November 14, 2024
Location: Various schools in Kirkuk

Over six weeks, the college’s medical students by supervision of Kirkuk Medical College’s Deanship , conducted targeted outreach activities across several schools in Kirkuk. This phase emphasized engaging younger audiences, fostering healthy habits early, and providing accessible education on diabetes prevention.

Activities Conducted:

1. Age-Appropriate Educational Seminars:
• Delivered interactive sessions on topics such as the risks of diabetes, the importance of a healthy diet, and the role of physical activity in prevention.
• Sessions were tailored to each age group to ensure better understanding and engagement.
2. Healthy Nutrition Campaign:
• Distributed fresh fruits to encourage the adoption of healthier snacking alternatives.
• Explained the role of proper nutrition in diabetes prevention to students, parents, and teachers.
3. Informative Brochures:
• Shared concise and visually appealing brochures that outlined basic facts about diabetes, its symptoms, risk factors, and strategies for prevention.

The schools such as( Al-Khalidiah Primary School, Çağ Primary School, Çağ High School for Girls and Boys, Kirkuk High School for Gifted Boys and Girls many other schools ) are very welcomely participated.

The school visits aimed not only to educate but also to empower children and their families to adopt healthier lifestyles, laying a foundation for diabetes prevention at an early stage.

Part 2: Hospital-Based Activities

Date: November 14, 2024
Location: Local Hospital in Kirkuk

The hospital-based event on World Diabetes Day served as a central pillar of the initiative, bringing together patients , and the broader community to focus on diabetes management and care.

Activities Conducted:

1. Free Diabetes Awareness Seminar:
• Led by experienced medical professionals - Dr Sammar the seminar covered key topics, including:
• Early detection of diabetes symptoms.
• Strategies for managing blood sugar levels.
• The importance of regular check-ups and adherence to treatment.
2. Healthy Nutrition Promotion:
• Distributed healthy fruits to patients and attendees, emphasizing the role of diet in diabetes management.
• Included guidance on creating balanced meal plans suitable for people with diabetes.
3. Educational Materials:
• Provided brochures with detailed information on diabetes, its complications, and prevention strategies for those at risk.
4. Provision of Diabetes Management Devices:
• Supplied a limited number of patients with essential diabetes devices (e.g., glucometers) to aid in self-monitoring and management.

This event was designed to not only educate but also to provide practical tools for those living with diabetes, ensuring they feel supported in their care journey.

Impact and Future Goals

The “Diabetes Action Days” initiative has successfully reached hundreds of individuals across Kirkuk, fostering a deeper understanding of diabetes prevention and care. Through school outreach, hospital-based activities, and community events, the initiative has laid the groundwork for long-term lifestyle changes and increased community engagement in diabetes management.

Kirkuk Medical College plans to expand the program in future years, integrating more stakeholders and broadening its reach to include underserved populations across the governorate. This comprehensive approach reflects the college’s commitment to addressing the growing challenge of diabetes in Iraq and beyond.

Organizer: Kirkuk Medical College , Supervised by : Dr. Samar Saad

Event Email: senknawzad20@gmail.com
Event website: Kirkuk medical college

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