Activity roundup

A further snapshot of planned World Diabetes Day 2011 celebrations around the world:

• In Honduras, several diabetes-related associations and organisations have joined together to organise the 'National Week for the Prevention and Control of Diabetes' in the capital Tegucigalpa on 11-18 November. Activities during the week will include a physical activity in a local park during and after which participants will have their blood glucose measured, an art mural competition on the theme of 'prevention and treatment of diabetes', human blue circles and seminars for people with diabetes and health professionals. The week will close with a 'Living with Diabetes' festival that will consist of an awareness walk, a diabetes exhibition and activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles.
   
• In Nigeria, Olabisi Onabajo University in Ibadan, Oyo State is organising an essay competition for secondary school students to create awareness on the prevention of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases in the country. Winners will be announced on World Diabetes Day and presented with awards at the diabetes walk that will be held in the city on the day. Around 200 children from 20 schools will join other members of the public for the health walk, which will also include calisthenics exercises organised in the Liberty Stadium.
   
• In Pakistan, the Diabetes Centre of Akhuwat Health Services has launched an awareness campaign for World Diabetes Day that includes providing diabetes education for over 400 people with diabetes, lectures by leading diabetologists and an educational awareness programme for students, parents and staff of several schools, colleges and universities in the area. Over 3,000 students have been targeted by the programme. The Centre’s campaign will end on 14 November.
   
• In Puerto Rico, November is Diabetes Month and the Puertorican Diabetes Association (Asociación Puertorriqueña de Diabetes) will be holding a variety of awareness activities to put diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. The association's 'Bring Diabetes to Light' campaign will include a 5km walk/run in a park in San Juan, health screenings, exercise sessions, activities for children and a diabetes information centre in one of the country's and region's largest shopping malls. The centre will provide information about diabetes prevention and control and dieticians and certified diabetes educators will be on hand to talk to visitors.