RCSI Medical University of Bahrain celebrates revitalisation of Diabetes Mobile Unit

TDT | Manama  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

In a collaborative effort with the Bahrain Diabetes Society and the Rotary Club of Manama, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain announced the relaunch of its Diabetes Mobile Unit (DMU).

The celebratory ceremony, held in the presence of His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health and President of the Bahrain Diabetes Society, marked a significant step towards reinforcing community partnerships and advancing diabetes education in Bahrain.

The ceremony included the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Ms Renuka Nambiar Ravindran (President of Rotary Club of Manama), and Professor Sameer Otoom (President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain).

Attended by key dignitaries, including Her Excellency Dr Jaleela bint Alsayed Jawad Hasan, Minister of Health, and Her Excellency Dr Diana Abdulkarim Al Jahrami, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council, the event showcased the commitment of these organisations to collaboration and community health.

Humanitarian services

Expressing his gratitude, HE Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla remarked, “I extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to RCSI Medical University of Bahrain and Rotary Club of Manama, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and Bahrain Diabetes Society, for their efforts and humanitarian services that have contributed significantly towards easing the healthcare challenges in Bahrain, especially in managing individuals with diabetes and obesity.”

The signed agreement outlines a collaborative effort to promote the DMU program, develop educational materials, coordinate school visits, and train volunteers. The primary objective is to provide diabetes education and support to children and their families in Bahrain.

Commitment

Professor Sameer Otoom emphasised the University’s commitment to increasing diabetes awareness and prevention among children, expressing thanks to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education for their support.

The DMU, established in 2012, has educated over 5,400 children in Bahrain, visiting primary schools and using interactive games and activities to teach about diabetes, healthy eating, and the importance of an active lifestyle.

Ms Renuka Nambiar Ravindran, President of Rotary Club of Manama, commented, “Rotary Club of Manama (RCM) has been promoting diabetes awareness through the Bahrain Diabetes Society for the last 12 years and with RCSI Medical University of Bahrain thereafter.

It is a privilege for RCM to have provided the van to be used to support the Diabetes Mobile Unit. We are pleased to continue to support RCSI Medical University of Bahrain and BDS in our endeavor to raise awareness and prevention of type 2 diabetes among school children.”

During the ceremony, Ms Danah Smith, Lecturer in Nursing and Academic Lead for the Diabetes Mobile Unit (DMU), presented the development of the DMU, its relaunch in 2023, and the unveiling of the new edition of the Diabetes Mobile Unit Story Book titled ‘Learn with us… Move with us.’ This interactive and engaging educational resource aims to provide school students with valuable insights into diabetes.