Doha, Qatar – 10 December 2015: Following the celebration of World Diabetes Day (WDD), Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) Q.S.C., one of the leading petrochemical powerhouses in the region and a pioneer in petrochemical production, recently welcomed the diabetes team from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) to its plant in Mesaieed in order to raise awareness about diabetes and to conduct blood glucose screening amongst its employees. The screening campaign was part of HMC’s annual WDD events and supported its year-long awareness campaign designed to increase public understanding of diabetes and to empower residents to take control over their health.
Diabetes is a complex condition which can lead to debilitating long-term complications and acute illness. The disease has reached epidemic proportion in Qatar with about 17 percent of the Qatari adult population thought to have diabetes. About 11 percent of the population is estimated to be pre-diabetic and it is anticipated that as many as one third of the diabetics are not aware of their disease. QAPCO takes diabetes prevention very seriously. Therefore, QAPCO strongly believes in encouraging its employees to adopt healthy lifestyles and to make healthy living choices in order to prevent and fight conditions such as obesity, heart diseases and diabetes.
As such, QAPCO was delighted to team-up with the team from HMC in an effort to increase diabetes awareness and detection amongst its employees.
Ms. Manal Musallam, Senior Patient Educator/Adult Diabetes at HMC, led the session in which employees were provided with education materials on diabetes management, risk assessment and the importance of making good dietary choices. Over 200 QAPCO staff attended.
On the occasion, Dr. Mohammed Youssef Al Mulla, Vice Chairman and CEO of QAPCO, mentioned: “At QAPCO, as a responsible corporate citizen, and in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030, we believe in raising awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyles and fitness amongst our employees and our community.I thank the HMC team for having visited QAPCO and for having raised awareness about risk factors and preventive measures in order to fight diabetes. The impact of HMC’s noble action in tackling diabetes is evident and benefits the Qatari society as a whole”.
“This event is part of HMC’s ongoing commitment to community-based diabetes awareness, screening and education. We cannot stress enough the importance of early detection of diabetes and screening. Raising community awareness of healthy lifestyle practices, including maintaining a healthy diet and participating in regular physical activity, are an important part of reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes in Qatar,” said Ms. Musallam.
QAPCO welcomed the initiative from HMC and considered the day was a real success. Numerous employees attended the HMC’s awareness sessions about diabetes, which they found very informative and helpful. QAPCO praised HMC’s role and thanked all the volunteers who participated in this day dedicated to Diabetes Prevention.
QAPCO places the fitness and wellbeing of its employees and their knowledge of health related issues as a priority. Throughout the year, QAPCO’s Medical Section organizes a number of health-oriented initiatives in order to promote healthy lifestyles within the company.
QAPCO has developed focused Corporate Social Responsibility programs and is investing in projects that support three key areas: employee and family welfare, education, and sports.