14 November 2013 – World Diabetes Day is observed every year by the World Health Organization on 14 November. The International Diabetes Federation has selected "Diabetes: protect our future" as the slogan of this year's Day, which marks the fifth and final year of the 2009–2013 campaign on diabetes education and prevention.
Diabetes is a global challenge but is particularly important for countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region, as the burden in the Region is enormous. Six of the ten countries with the highest rates of prevalence of diabetes in the world are in this Region. Simple lifestyle measures facilitated by conducive environments have, however, been shown to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and its complications.
The sheer burden of diabetes highlights the need for partners to work together. Prevention and control of diabetes requires concerted public health action and close collaboration among international, regional and national partners.
English [press release]
Related links
World Diabetes Day 2013 campaign material
International Diabetes Federation
