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Lions and International Diabetes Federation Come Together to Tackle Diabetes

At Lions Day with the United Nations in New York on March 24, 2018, International President Naresh Aggarwal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) President Prof. Nam H. Cho to establish a cooperative alliance in the global fight against diabetes. The two organizations will come together to help prevent diabetes and improve the quality of life for those living with diabetes worldwide.

Working together to achieve common goals

The signing of the MOU solidifies a partnership that will operate at the national, regional and global levels. The two organizations agree to cooperate in good faith to achieve common goals:

Prevent diabetes and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed

Raise diabetes awareness and provide education where it is needed

Development of holistic diabetes service projects to improve care

Elevate the issue of diabetes onto the national and global political agenda

Increase access to diabetes care, medication and diagnostic equipment

Diabetes is fast becoming a global health emergency

Diabetes affects 425 million adults worldwide, with the total set to reach 629 million by 2045. An estimated 90% are affected by type 2 diabetes, which is largely preventable. One in two people with diabetes has not yet been diagnosed, and their diabetes is not controlled. When diabetes is uncontrolled, it can have dire consequences on health and well-being and result in a number of serious complications that impact harshly on the finances of individuals, their families and the economies of nations. People with diabetes who depend on life-saving insulin and regular monitoring to manage their condition pay the ultimate price when they cannot access affordable medication and equipment.

A timely and welcome partnership

IDF President Prof. Nam H. Cho said, “Diabetes is fast becoming a global health emergency. Lions Clubs International is a dynamic movement with a vast and influential network. Our organizations are ideally placed to collaborate and make a difference for the many millions now living with diabetes and all those at risk.”

It's a Wrap! LDUN Geneva Recap

Diabetes is going down! Just ask the more than 250 Lions, Leos and community leaders who gathered in Geneva, Switzerland for Lions Day with the United Nations on September 27. The first of three United Nations events this Lion Year, LDUN Geneva jumpstarted the conversation about how Lions can work together to combat the global diabetes epidemic.

  The day-long event was jam-packed with important speakers and discussions. Lions Clubs International President Dr. Naresh Aggarwal headlined the program, which included addresses from Michael Møller, Director General of United Nations Office of Geneva, Kelly Clements, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, Dr. Oleg Chestov, Assistant Director General of the World Health Organization, and more.

“Strong partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations have helped shape our past, and will help forge our future. The diabetes epidemic cannot be ignored.  Through our partnerships with the United Nations, WHO, pharmaceutical companies, and other agencies, we will make a difference for the millions of people whose lives are impacted by diabetes.”

– International President Dr. Naresh Aggarwal.

  Lions Clubs International President Dr. Naresh Aggarwal leads speaks during Lions Day with the United Nations in Geneva.

    But it wasn’t all work.

Attendees were treated to world-class entertainment in the form of a classical violin performance and a song by the winner of the Lions World Song Festival for the Blind.

Anthony Fournier, winner of the European Lions Music Contest, was accompanied by pianist Jansen Ryser.

  Szilvia Agárdi, winner of the Lions World Song Festival for the Blind.

LDUN Geneva is just the beginning.