In line with the World Diabetes Day celebration that comes on 14^th of November, Oman Diabetes Association (ODA) organized an awareness open day on Thursday to mark this occasion under the theme (Together we Fight Diabetes) at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Busher.

The event was held under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Taimur Bin As'ad Al Said, Assistant Secretary General for Communication at the Research Council, with the presence of H.E. Dr. Ahmad Mohammad Al Saidi, minister of Health, and H.E. Dr. Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, Health Minister of Brunei Darussalam.

The organizers of the event aimed at creating awareness and educating the public on the disease prevention methods, involving more than 650 participants from the public and private schools.  Dr. Noor Al Busaidi, Chairperson of ODA and Director of the National Diabetes & Endocrine Center stated in her address word that the Diabetes is considered the most common disease in the civilized world especially in the Gulf Region. The disease prevalence rate among adults in the Sultanate reaches 15% according to the International Diabetes Federation latest report. Dr. Al Busaidi added that the health care services delivered to the diabetics contribute significantly in reducing the occurrence of disease early complications rate.

The opening ceremony program included a video that displayed the ODA efforts in the field of disease awareness and prevention. Then, a group of private school student performed a Beating Diabetes show and educational clips were presented. The program concluded with a poem that illustrated the disease and its complications.

Furthermore, the open day included a physical activity demonstration and a medical exhibition.