The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) have joined forces with selected hotels in Dubai to launch the “Check Out for Diabetes” charity campaign from November 28 to December 11.

The charity campaign was specifically designed for hotels in Dubai to encourage them to show their commitment to combating the burden of diabetes in the region.

Participating hotels will donate a nominal amount per night for every room occupied during the campaign to IDF’s Life for a Child humanitarian programme, a statement from the organisation said.

The programme provides life-saving insulin and care to children with diabetes in developing countries.

Hotels will also distribute diabetes information leaflets and display posters to raise awareness of the global diabetes epidemic, the statement said.

The UAE has one of the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world. A diabetes hot spot, 1 out of 5 people in the UAE has diabetes and 10.3 percent of all deaths in the region among adults in 2011 are due to diabetes.

Mario Fetz, external relations director at IDF, said: “Diabetes is a huge and growing problem and the costs to society are high and escalating. This effort is a good step forward in raising diabetes awareness among the public and giving them an opportunity to make a difference.”

“The vast reach that this disease has within our community is alarming.  We are optimistic that this campaign and the subsequent congress will bring attention to everyone on how to better protect their health.” Jerad Bachar, a director within the DTCM said.

The launch of the “Check Out for Diabetes” campaign is a build-up to IDF’s World Diabetes Congress to be held from December 4 to 8 in Dubai. – TradeArabia News Service