Reducing diabetes spread starts with education

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Blood sugar level check-ups are conducted during one of Jeddah’s diabetes awareness campaigns. (Supplied)
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A diabetes awareness presentation at one of Jeddah’s schools. (Supplied)
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Blood sugar level check-ups are conducted during one of Jeddah’s diabetes awareness campaigns. (Supplied)
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A diabetes awareness presentation at one of Jeddah’s schools. (Supplied)
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Blood sugar level check-ups are conducted during one of Jeddah’s diabetes awareness campaigns. (Supplied)
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Updated 15 November 2022
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Reducing diabetes spread starts with education

  • In Saudi Arabia, 4,274,100 adults — almost one in five — have a form of the disease, according to the International Diabetic Federation MENA region
  • Asma’a Al-Harthy: Obesity, lack of movement, and unhealthy eating habits all lead to type 2 diabetes

JEDDAH/RIYADH: Saudi schools, hospitals, and universities are marking World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14 with education campaigns on the disease’s health risks and its potential to kill.

Around 73 million people in the Middle East and North Africa have been diagnosed with diabetes. That number is forecast to balloon to 135.7 million by 2045. 

In Saudi Arabia, 4,274,100 adults — almost one in five — have a form of the disease, according to the International Diabetic Federation MENA region. 

Saudi Arabia is part of the 21 member countries in the federation’s regional organization. Member associations include Saudi Charitable Association of Diabetes, the Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association, and the Saudi Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 

Dr. Selwa Al-Hazza’a, a senior consultant ophthalmologist and professor, told Arab News that awareness of diabetes was crucial.

“Unfortunately, people do not know that diabetes causes diabetic eye disease and this complication is usually at the top of the concerns as it might cause blindness,” she said, adding other complications included heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, loss of sensation and gangrene.

The Society of Diabetic Patient Friends in Jeddah has launched educational and awareness programs to alert community members about the dangers of diabetes complications.

With 126 awareness activities, the society says it is assisting over 12,562 beneficiaries in Jeddah.

Asma’a Al-Harthy, clinical dietitian and diabetic educator from the society, told Arab News that it operates as a mobile diabetes clinic that provides awareness campaigns throughout the year, and campaigns generally increase in November.

“Obesity, lack of movement, and unhealthy eating habits all lead to type 2 diabetes. We offer medications (and) consultations. Our aim is to educate about this silent killer.”

The first educational and awareness campaign in Jeddah for World Diabetes Day was held on Nov. 3, under the slogan “Check your sugar”. Health experts provided blood sugar analysis, advice on therapeutic nutrition and education on type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The Society of Diabetic Patient Friends and King Abdulaziz University Hospital will hold another awareness campaign in Jeddah on the day itself offering check-ups, blood sugar analysis, free medical consultations and free insulin pumps. 

The society also provides awareness campaigns in malls, companies, universities, hospitals, and schools.

During this month, the Society provided training for more than 200 health counselors from Jeddah schools to shed light on the rights of students with diabetes and to ensure the proper provision of health care is given due to the increase in the number of diabetic children in the Kingdom.

“The main objective of the workshops was to guide the health counselor on how to deal with high blood sugar in children to control the condition or prevent it from happening in the first place. In this way, we will have a conscious generation, and we will be able to save the lives of many,” she added.

Sahar Amer, general supervisor of Children’s World International schools in Jeddah, told Arab News: “We pay attention to diet and health awareness for all students, starting with mental and general health and proper nutrition in order to avoid many diseases, including diabetes.”

Offering daily sports classes is one of the school’s initiatives to reduce the risk of diabetes among children, as movement helps to burn calories and reduce blood sugar levels.

“We provide an integrated program on World Diabetes Day, World Breast Cancer Day, Smoking, and Mental Health Day, where we talk to students in both Arabic and English to provide them with full awareness to maintain their health, and we invite parents to participate.”

Non-diabetic students are also alerted about their diabetic friends in the same class and how to deal with them in emergencies. A nurse is available at the school to monitor blood sugar levels and supervise the meals eaten to avoid any complications.

Amer said: “We make sure to make the diabetic child feel normal among classmates, and we do not prevent students from eating sweets completely, rather we specify the appropriate amount suitable for their condition, and educate them on how to choose a healthier alternative.”

Under the theme "Education To Protect Tomorrow," SACD took the initiative for World Diabetes Day with the General Education Administration and implemented its awareness and educational program on diabetes in schools of Riyadh and Al-Madinah regions. 

In Riyadh, Riyadh Schools participated in SCAD’s awareness campaign programs on November 7 to further support the diabetic community. 

In an all-inclusive diabetes awareness campaign, SCAD also partnered up with Sa3ee for The Rehabilitation and Employment for Disabilities in Riyadh on Nov. 6. 

A health education event was held on the same day at Taibah University in Al-Madinah in cooperation with the Saudi German Hospital and Dr. Wafaa Tulbah Clinics. 

High school students at Al-Aws Private National School in Al-Madinah participated in a walk at the Islamic University walkway held for World Diabetes Day on Nov. 9, in cooperation with the Ministry of Sports and SCAD.  

On the same day, SCAD held an awareness program on diabetes in the international primary school Al-Qalaa Al-Hijazya in Madinah, which included a lecture, educational advice, and content. 

At Abdullah bin Abbas Intermediate School, SCAD gave educational lectures and distributed glucose monitoring devices to students. 

On Nov. 8 in Al-Madinah, SCAD answered questions and handed the children at the 69th Kindergarten school giveaways pertaining to World Diabetes Day. 

Created in 1991 by IDF and the World Health Organization, World Diabetes Day became an official day in 2006 when the UN passed the 61/225 Resolution to combat the disease

World Diabetes Day campaigns reach more than one billion people in around 160 countries. 

Nov. 14 is the birthday of the co-discoverer of insulin in 1922, Sir Frederick Banting. 


Global leaders gather in Riyadh to shape future of non-terrestrial networks

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Global leaders gather in Riyadh to shape future of non-terrestrial networks

  • Event welcomed renowned researchers in technology and investment alongside regulatory authorities at both local and global levels
  • With over 120 countries represented this year, the forum reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in technological innovation and collaboration

RIYADH: The international Connecting the World From the Skies forum kicked off on Monday, bringing together ministers, industry leaders, experts and CEOs from leading companies specializing in non-terrestrial networks.

Under the patronage of Abdullah Al-Swaha, minister of communications and information technology and chairman of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, the event welcomed renowned researchers in technology and investment alongside regulatory authorities at both local and global levels.

In his opening speech, CST Governor Mohammed Al-Tamimi emphasized the forum’s significance as a vital platform for advancing NTNs in alignment with sustainable development goals, particularly addressing the challenge of space debris. 

He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment, in partnership with global stakeholders, to connecting the unconnected. 

As part of these efforts the CST, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union, conducted a groundbreaking study aimed at harnessing communication services to reduce the global digital divide.

The Saudi Space Agency also announced the launch of the “Centre for Space Futures,” the first of its kind within the network of Fourth Industrial Revolution Centers affiliated with the World Economic Forum. 

Al-Tamimi said Saudi Arabia took pride in being one of the first nations to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for NTNs, including the regulation of direct-to-device communications, spectrum allocation for high-altitude platforms and global space sustainability frameworks. 

A key highlight of the forum was the announcement of the winners of the international Competition on Non-Terrestrial Networks for 6G, launched by the CST in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. 

This year saw 17 countries take part with 114 research papers submitted, 77 percent of which came from researchers and academics.

The CST is also highlighting its recent technical experiments in NTNs, including the pioneering Seamless D2D Connectivity trial, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. 

The forum is a key pillar of the NTN program, launched by the CST in 2021. The inaugural forum, held in 2022, attracted more than 3,000 participants. 

With over 120 countries represented this year, the forum reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in technological innovation and collaboration.


Saudi conjoined twins center leading global medical understanding, Al-Rabeeah says

Updated 25 November 2024
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Saudi conjoined twins center leading global medical understanding, Al-Rabeeah says

  • Centralized healthcare key for advancing research and expertise, conference told
  • Abdullah Al-Rabeeah: Building a center of excellence with a large volume, it brings value of experience, value of research, value of outcome and value of care for the patients

RIYADH: Centralizing medical knowledge in the Arab world is key to improving specialized medical care, Saudi Arabia’s top surgeon has said.

Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who also serves as supervisor-general of Saudi aid agency KSrelief and was once minister of health, was speaking at Riyadh’s International Conference on Conjoined Twins.

The Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, established in 1990, has separated dozens of conjoined twins from countries around the world under the care of Al-Rabeeah.

He said that dealing with rare specialties in medicine requires experience and volume, which comes with population. Most countries in the Middle East can go decades without seeing a case of conjoined twins, he added.

“Building a center of excellence with a large volume, it brings value of experience, value of research, value of outcome and value of care for the patients,” Al-Rabeeah said.

Quoting Lord Ara Darzi of the UK, who spoke at an earlier ministerial roundtable at the conference, Al-Rabeeah added: “In certain specialties you need to decentralize, like family medicine, women’s care — you have to have access anywhere. But in certain specialties, like conjoined twins, you need to centralize.”

Al-Rabeeah said that as health minister, he constantly called for collaboration between GCC and Arab countries to concentrate specialties into central reference centers to promote research and development, and advance expertise in the region.

Compared to worldwide numbers, Al-Rabeeah added that the conjoined twins program in Saudi Arabia is “on the top … in terms of volume and expertise and success rates, we are one of the highest in the world.”

With 143 evaluated cases and 61 separations, there are now seven cases waiting to be evaluated.

“The unique thing about Saudi Arabia: It is a large volume done by one team,” Al-Rabeeah said.

The team of conjoined twins specialists in Saudi Arabia have “collected the wealth of knowledge and developed their expertise,” and are ready to pass it on to younger generations of surgeons, he said.

Al-Rabeeah recommends early antenatal care to ensure the health and wellness of both mother and the baby, and to prepare any necessary treatment plans early on.

“One thing which has changed in the last three-and-a-half decades is the early diagnosis … during pregnancy, we have to ensure the level of anomalies and the risk on the mother,” he said.

Once the twins are born, a complete picture of the heart’s conditions, spinal columns, nerves and vital organs must be established before a plan of operation is set in place.

“After separation, now another dilemma is rehabilitation … how they can go into society, the independence, the separation trauma. We have to deal with all of those until the child moves from one body to two bodies which are independent,” he added.

For a complete transformation for both the patients and their family, the post-operative psychological and rehabilitative follow-up is a crucial step in the procedural process.

“If you have not lived with those families, you will not feel it. I have lived with them; I have listened to them. And it is actually a trauma to the mother, a trauma for the father and a challenge for the babies,” Al-Rabeeah said.

He recounted babies who cannot be bottle-fed because their sibling is in the way, so the doctors have to create tubes that connect between the nipples and each baby.

This creates an uncomfortable experience for the mother, and a difficult situation to encounter for women living in rural areas, lower-income families, or those living in countries with fragile health systems.

“(After) this trauma and uncertainty, as soon as you separate them … their whole lives have changed,” he added.

The Riyadh conference is set to hear from separated twins, who will tell audiences how surgery has changed their lives, allowing them to become more independent and integrated into society, Al-Rabeeah said.

In partnership with the UN Population Fund, Children’s Fund, as well as local and regional NGOs, nine agreements were signed on Sunday at the conference, two of which related to conjoined twins.

Additionally, four agreements were signed for the establishment of prosthetic centers aimed at improving children’s quality of life.

Al-Rabeeah also highlighted the signing of an agreement for children in Gaza: “This is something that is important and they deserve attention by us and others.”


Formerly conjoined Filipino twins return to Riyadh 20 years after lifesaving surgery

Updated 25 November 2024
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Formerly conjoined Filipino twins return to Riyadh 20 years after lifesaving surgery

  • Princess Mae: After our separation, I gained a new appreciation for individuality and independence
  • Dr. Ahmed Bawaneh, deputy country representative at IMC Jordan, highlighted the emotional and psychological challenges faced by conjoined twins

RIYADH: Twenty years after they were separated in a complex surgery in Riyadh, two Filipino twins have returned to the Saudi capital to celebrate the medical expertise that saved their lives.

Princess Ann and Princess Mae Manzo stayed for more than six months in the Kingdom in 2004 as guests of Crown Prince Abdullah.

They were separated at Riyadh’s National Guard Hospital.

“After our separation, I gained a new appreciation for individuality and independence,” Princess Mae told the International Conference for Conjoined Twins on Monday.

The event is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, a global leader in the field.

She was speaking during a panel discussion titled “Exploring the Multifaceted Impacts of Separation: Conjoined Twins and Families.”

The unique story of the Manzo twins proved the central focus of the discussion.

They are now thriving as third-year students in their native Philippines.

“While we still cherish the unique bond we share, it is a balance of gratitude for our shared paths and excitement for forging our path,” said Princess Mae.

The panel invited experts and family members to discuss the medical and psychological challenges of separating conjoined twins, as well as the broader social, educational and emotional implications.

Princess Anne said that the separation deeply impacted her and Mae’s emotional well-being.

“It has made us more self-aware individually, helping us understand our limits by living life separately with different groups of friends, different schools and different workplaces.”

Dr. Gopal Mitra, global lead on disability and development at UNICEF, highlighted stigmas surrounding conjoined twins, warning that an “obsession with normalcy” often leads to harmful stereotypes and social exclusion for those who are perceived as different.

“Stigma arises when we assign attributes and characteristics to groups of people based on our perceptions of difference — how they look, move, behave, or communicate.”

Mitra added that when a mother gives birth to conjoined twins, the family already faces stress and strain.

Strategies to combat negative perceptions include community engagement, the training of frontline workers and role modeling, he said, adding: “Princess Mae and Princess Ann are wonderful role models.”

Mitra said that inclusive education is a foundation for addressing stigma: “Inclusive education respects individuality and tailors learning experiences to the unique needs of each child.”

Dr. Ahmed Bawaneh, deputy country representative at IMC Jordan, highlighted the emotional and psychological challenges faced by conjoined twins and their families throughout separation and recovery.

“The stigma doesn’t go away after the separation. It’s there before, during and after. It’s something the twins and their families have to grapple with for a long time,” he said.

“It is important that we don’t look at conjoined twins as just special cases.”

After separation, long-term rehabilitation poses another challenge, requiring sustained support from mental health professionals, Bawaneh added.

“We must focus on the stressors they face and provide holistic, integrated support that addresses their mental, emotional and physical well-being. The importance of integrated mental health services cannot be overstated.”

The panel discussion served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action.

“The support system that I had was very helpful during the separation and recovery was my family,” the Manzo twins’ mother said.

Her words served as a reminder that behind every medical milestone is a network of caregivers who provide emotional strength, practical assistance and unwavering love.

“Inclusive education and an inclusive society are not just ideals but necessities — because every child deserves the chance to flourish,” Mitra said.

Preparing professionals to address unique patients is crucial, said Bawaneh.

“We must remember that these children and their families are not defined by their circumstances — they are individuals with dreams, challenges and incredible resilience.”


Saudi, Japanese firms to release new game in MENA

Updated 25 November 2024
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Saudi, Japanese firms to release new game in MENA

  • The action game will immerse players in legendary battles and strategic combat

Riyadh: Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Misk Foundation, has signed a publishing and distribution agreement with Koei Tecmo to release Dynasty Warriors: Origins in the Middle East and North Africa, scheduled for Jan. 17, 2025.

The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, according to a press release.

Manga Productions will collaborate with Koei Tecmo to localize the game for MENA audiences, involving Saudi talents in the process, in addition to handling its publishing and marketing.

The action game will immerse players in legendary battles and strategic combat, set in the iconic Three Kingdoms world of ancient China, appealing to both new and returning fans of the series.

Manga Productions CEO Essam Bukhary said: “Saudi Arabia and the MENA region are among the fastest-growing game markets globally. Manga Productions has successfully produced, distributed, and licensed content in recent years. We’re excited to partner with Koei Tecmo to publish this AAA game and invest in Saudi talent to further develop the gaming and creative industries in the region.”

Koei Tecmo President and Chief Operating Officer Hisashi Koinuma said that this partnership with Manga Productions goes beyond publishing to deliver a fully localized version tailored for regional gaming enthusiasts.

Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh, business development and content licensing director at Manga Productions, said that video games are a core part of the company’s business. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to expand into the MENA region, benefiting both parties, he added.


Matcha lovers, anime fans flock to Japan Festival in Riyadh

Updated 25 November 2024
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Matcha lovers, anime fans flock to Japan Festival in Riyadh

  • Festival celebrates Japanese technology and products
  • Major car brands demonstrate new models

RIYADH: Thousands of people flocked to the Japan Festival held recently in Riyadh, which attracted businesspeople, matcha tea lovers, anime fans, and car enthusiasts alike.

Organized jointly by the Embassy of Japan, the Japan External Trade Organization, and the Japanese Society in Riyadh, the festival was held at the Saudi capital’s Cultural Palace and hosted around 8,000 visitors over two days.

A JETRO spokesperson told Arab News that more than a few Japanese have been keeping a close eye on Saudi Arabia’s future potential.

“For Japan, Saudi Arabia has been one of the most important trade partners due to two reasons. One is that Saudi Arabia has been the biggest exporter of crude oil to Japan and the other (is that) Saudi Arabia highly evaluates Japanese technologies, in particular transportation equipment,” the spokesperson said.

On Japan-Saudi exports, the JETRO spokesperson noted that Japanese exports to Saudi Arabia totaled $6.36 billion in 2023, up 25.2 percent from the previous year.

Of that total, transportation equipment accounted for 70.2 percent of total exports. Automobiles grew 31.3 percent to $4.25 billion, with passenger cars and buses/trucks growing 32.8 percent and 24.2 percent respectively.

Imports declined $34.78 billion, down 19.2 percent from the previous year. Crude oil and crude oil imports, which account for 95.7 percent of total imports, declined 17.9 percent to $33.3 billion due to lower crude oil prices and production cuts. In 2023, oil imports from Saudi Arabia accounted for 40.4 percent of Japan’s total.

Major car brands like Mitsubishi and Toyota were on display at the event, as well as several technology, beauty, art and recreational brands.

Trading house Itochu, and Kumon, the children’s educational network, were some of the big name brands participating in the event.

Stage performances showcased a number of Japanese cultural offerings including a drum performance by the students of the Japanese School in Riyadh, a martial arts demonstration, a tea ceremony, umbrella juggling, live painting, and performances of popular traditional and anime songs.

Guests were able to learn about Japanese tourism, play with traditional toys, learn origami, and try on a Japanese kimono or yukata.

Visitors were also educated on Japanese tourism, and enjoyed traditional Japanese toys, calligraphy and craft workshops.

In the booth area, Japanese industrial products with cutting-edge technology and Japanese cars from major brands were displayed.