On the eve of World Diabetes Day (observed on November 14), United Way of Mumbai, a Community Impact organisation, in association with the Health Department of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai organised a two day community-based awareness programme on diabetes recently. The programme consists of highly impact activities for educating and sensitising groups of Mumbaikars who have low awareness or access to information on diabetes and its prevention.

This programme on diabetes was conducted with the support of Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMSF).

This awareness programme ended with the formation of a “Human Circle of Blue” by more than 200 college students at Juhu Beach, Mumbai. The “Human Circle of Blue” was a show of support and solidarity for people around the world with diabetes. As part of the event, students underwent training and attended an orientation programme to understand diabetes. These students shared this information and distributed diseases awareness pamphlets to visitors at Juhu Beach.

Speaking on the occasion, Jayanti Shukla, executive director, United Way of Mumbai and India said, “With the formation of this “Human Circle of Blue,” we are keen to grab Mumbai’s attention and raise awareness on this silent killer disease. Our efforts do not end here. Moving forward, we have initiated projects that will enable us to provide education and testing facilities to several unorganized sector workers, Anganwadi sevikas and municipal school teachers in Mumbai.”

United Way of Mumbai began this awareness drive by reaching out to residents at Nehru Nagar in Vile Parle. More than 177 students (as peer health educators) from seven colleges enthusiastically participated in the event and passed on the message of diabetes, prevention and treatment, to the residents. A local mobile test camp was also arranged.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation partners with NGOs and health organizations in India on projects to improve the health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes and hepatitis B and C. As part of Together on Diabetes the BMSF has announced grants to six institutions in India that will help improve diabetes education, prevention and care and increase health care worker capacity in rural and tribal areas and among the urban poor. The BMSF India grants will test new ideas about how diabetes control efforts can be best designed and implemented to help individuals in a variety of settings.