COUNTDOWN TO WORLD DIABETES DAY - 40 DAYS TO GO

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.

See the full list of submitted events and make sure to send us details of planned activities in your area. Do not miss the unique opportunity to be part of a global celebration.

Blue Monument Challenge: view the current list of monuments and buildings that are bringing diabetes to light this November. Send your confirmed lightings to wdd@idf.org.

Go Blue for Diabetes: whatever you are planning to mark World Diabetes Day this year, make sure to go blue for diabetes on 14 November with your friends, families or colleagues. Visit our photo gallery on Flickr to get inspired.

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Campaign resources

With 14 November now just over a month away, make sure to take advantage of our promotional and advocacy materials to raise diabetes awareness and mark World Diabetes Day in your area. Here's a summary of what we have available:

• Posters: the five campaign posters highlighting the key messages for this year are currently available to download in 10 languages. Print copies in English, French or Spanish can be requested from wdd@idf.org. Please send your request before 14 October to ensure delivery in time for World Diabetes Day.
   
• Merchandise: blue circle pins, bracelets, waist measuring tapes, flags and Frisbees can be ordered from our online shop. Place your order before 14 October to ensure delivery in time for World Diabetes Day.
   
• Advocacy material: continue and build on the momentum generated by the United Nations Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) by integrating the messages and outcomes of the Summit into your own communication materials. Visit the dedicated section on our website to download all the resources available to call your governments and local policymakers to action for diabetes on World Diabetes Day.
   
• Charter of Rights and Responsibilities for People with Diabetes: promote the rights of people with diabetes, their parents and carers and counteract the discrimination and stigma that millions of people with diabetes still face by gathering support behind the IDF International Charter of Rights and Responsibilities of People with Diabetes. You can take advantage of your local awareness activities to collect signatures in favour of the Charter. Available to download in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
   
• Blue Circle Test: promote education on the risk factors for type 2 diabetes by sharing and encouraging the general public to take the Blue Circle Test.
   
• "Act on Diabetes. Now." participative video: show us how you are taking action on diabetes by submitting your short 2-10 second video at http://participativevideo.worlddiabetesday.org. Please continue to like your favourite video(s); the most popular will be displayed on our website and YouTube channel on World Diabetes Day.

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Follow the campaign

Do you have a Facebook page or Twitter account? Join our growing community and share with us your plans for the World Diabetes Day.

• Facebook – join the increasing number of fans, receive daily campaign updates and tell us what you’ll be doing for World Diabetes Day.
   
• Twitter –  promoting the key messages and actions of the campaign as 14 November approaches. #WDD #Diabetes #ActNow #BlueCircle #WDDgoblue #14Nov.
   
• YouTube – share your awareness videos with us.

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