24 August 2024 12:01 am Views - 39
From left: Sayanthini Roshan. Senior Coordinator (Suwa Diviya), Gayathri Hanwella. Communication Consultant. (Suwa Diviya), Dr.Kayathri Periasamy - Project Head (Suwa Diviya), Dr.Niranjala Meegoda Widanage - President Sri Lanka Collage of Endocrinologists and Dr.Chamari Pandithage - Medical Coordinator (Suwa Diviya)
Suwa Diviya is a non-profit initiative brings together diverse members of the health sector—including doctors, specialists, nutritionists, physical trainers, psychologists, and health promotion experts—to combat the diabetes epidemic in Sri Lanka.
Emphasizing the crucial role of the corporate sector, Suwa Diviya calls on businesses to lead the fight against diabetes while urging educational institutions, healthcare providers, policymakers, government entities, the food industry, and media to join forces for a healthier nation.
Compared to other South Asian countries, Sri Lanka has a high prevalence of diabetes. This situation is critical and demands urgent attention.
Approximately 1 in 4 Sri Lankan adults are affected by diabetes, making it a significant health concern. A further 30% are pre-diabetic, and over 1 million are unaware they have the condition. Diabetes prevalence is higher in urban areas than in rural regions, linked to lifestyle factors such as diet and physical inactivity.
The age of onset for diabetes is decreasing, with younger populations increasingly vulnerable. Rising diabetes cases contribute to increased healthcare costs and strain the healthcare system. The condition also affects productivity and overall quality of life for those affected.
Suwa Diviya’s mission is to significantly reduce diabetes prevalence in Sri Lanka through education, prevention, and early detection.