First International Congress of Diabetics from November 14 to 16 in Zenica

The Association of Diabetic Associations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with diabetic associations from the Republika Srpska, is organizing the celebration of the “World Diabetes Day” on November 14 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, reports the Bosnian news agency Patria.

In this way, most diabetic associations will join the global campaign against diabetes worldwide and show that our country is keeping pace with global trends. Part of the funds for local associations will be provided by the Federal Association of Diabetic Associations and the Association of Diabetological Associations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Stands will be set up in squares in most cities where blood sugar and blood pressure measurements will be organized, and promotional materials will be distributed.

The organizers of this event will, in accordance with their capabilities, distribute a so-called „healthy breakfast” (sandwiches, fruit, etc.) to participants, as this year's slogan of the global campaign is „Healthy eating starts with breakfast”.

The central event of the “World Diabetes Day” this year is the holding of the First Congress of People with Diabetes in Bosnia and Herzegovina with international participation from November 14 to 16 in Zenica. The organizers of the congress are: the Association of Diabetic Associations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Diabetic Associations from the Republika Srpska, and the Association of Diabetological Associations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Given the importance of prevention and proper therapy of diabetes, as well as the pandemic characteristics of this disease, modern approaches in therapy, and the economic impacts this disease has on the health system, this gathering aims to exchange experiences and connect patients and healthcare workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region with the goal of improving treatment and the rights of people with diabetes.

The congress will be attended by delegations from the Croatian Association of Diabetic Associations (HSDU), the Diabetological Association of Serbia (DSS), and Sandra Brsec-Rolih, a member of the main board of the International Diabetes Federation Europe (IDF Europe). Support for the congress has been given by the Vice President of IDF Europe, Sehnaz Karadeniz, and the International Alliance for Patients (IAPO).

Around 250 participants are expected at the congress, including 180 delegates from across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The congress program is tailored to participants and includes 6 lecture sessions and 2 interactive workshops dedicated to nutrition and insulin pump therapy. The ceremonial opening of the congress is on November 14 at the Bosnian National Theater Zenica at 6 PM.