The Prime Minister’s initiative for the Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus took a visible step forward as Diabetes Awareness Week opened with a symbolic walk at F9 Park in Islamabad. Health officials, medical professionals and community members joined to call attention to rising diabetes rates in Pakistan and to encourage early detection and healthier living.
The walk included senior officials from the Ministry of Health, among them the Special Secretary, the Additional Secretary and the Director General of Health, accompanied by the District Health Officer of Islamabad and her team. Participants from public hospitals and community services, including Lady Health Workers, paramedics and consultants, marched alongside enthusiastic students from Bahria University to amplify messages about prevention and care.
Speakers at the event stressed practical steps for the public. The Special Secretary highlighted the urgency of expanding Diabetes Awareness through screening, routine monitoring and lifestyle changes, while the Additional Secretary outlined the Ministry’s comprehensive plan to prevent new cases and improve patient outcomes. The Director General of Health described ongoing government measures that combine preventive outreach with improved curative services.
Participants carried banners and placards urging early testing and better diet and exercise habits, and organisers emphasised the vital role of community health workers and clinicians in supporting at-risk individuals. The opening event concluded with distribution of mementos to recognise volunteers and partners who helped mobilise the campaign, and the Ministry expressed gratitude to all who joined the walk.
The walk marks the first activity in a week-long series of events designed to deepen Diabetes Awareness across the capital and beyond, with seminars, health camps and screenings scheduled in coming days. Citizens are encouraged to attend events, get screened and adopt preventive habits as part of a national effort to move toward a healthier, diabetes-free future.
