PIVOTAL MOU SIGNING BETWEEN BDS AND RCSI BAHRAIN IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES

Non communicable diseases (NCD’s) are now the leading cause of death world wide, according to the latest United Nations, World Health Organistaion (WHO) Conference. They are responsible for approximately 36 million fatalities worldwide each year. A WHO country profile report on Bahrain in 2011 identified four healthcare issues that are prevalent within the Kingdom: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), Cancers, Respiratory Disease and Diabetes. The Kingdom of Bahrain has addressed these issues by setting up a specific committee regarding NCD’s.  The Al Manamah Document (May 2011) is in line with the Kingdom’s 2030 Framework. 

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) believes that identifying the steps to promote healthy behaviours can curtail the impact of such a disease through education and research.  A collaborative project was made available to the University when the Bahrain Diabetes Society approached the President to support the operational function of a Mobile Diabetes Unit, donated by funds raised from the Rotary Club of Manama. This two year agreement will see both staff and students volunteer, as part of the new Community Engagement Strategy of the University, in which the primary goal of the project will be to enhance health and awareness in reference to diabetes in children and adolescents in Bahrain.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) took place in the presence of Sh. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of State for Defense Affairs and the patron of the Bahrain Diabetes Society, Professor Thomas Collins President of RCSI Bahrain and special guests on the Thursday the 20th of October. Training sessions will be held for all participants, including nurses and doctors from various hospitals. The first school visit is planned for the 22nd of November, and will be centred on educational activities to increase the awareness about prevention screening and management of Children and Adolescents with Type II diabetes.

“As a medical institution within the GCC, and consistent with our noble purpose, that we should use our medical education expertise to support the community in which we live.” said Professor Thomas Collins, President of RCSI Bahrain. He thanked the Rotary Club of Manama and the Bahrain Diabetes Society for their support of the project.