Under the patronage of the President of the University of Babylon, Prof. Dr. Ameen Ajeel Al-Yasiri, and supervised by the Dean of the College of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Muhannad Abbass Al-Shalah, and as part of the continuing medical education activities at the College of Medicine – University of Babylon, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, in cooperation with the Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Medicine, organized a cultural awareness festival on the occasion of World Diabetes Day. The event aimed to promote health awareness and highlight the seriousness of the disease and methods of its prevention.
The festival was attended by several academic figures from the college, including the Assistant Dean for Scientific Affairs, the Assistant Dean for Administrative Affairs, heads of scientific departments, as well as faculty members, staff, and students. Their presence added an academic tone and clear institutional support to the event.
The ceremony began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Mustafa, a second-year student, followed by the recitation of Al-Fatiha for the souls of the honorable martyrs.
The festival was then opened with a speech by the Head of the Department, Prof. Dr. Tariq Hussein Mughair Al-Maamouri, who welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of raising awareness about diabetes in the community, especially given the increasing rates of the disease.
This was followed by a comprehensive awareness lecture delivered by Assistant Professor and Consultant Dr. Yasmin Riyadh Al-Saffar, a specialist in endocrinology and diabetes. Her lecture provided an in-depth explanation of diabetes, including its causes, symptoms, and complications, with an emphasis on the importance of controlling HbA1c to reduce long-term adverse effects. She also addressed the importance of early detection of type 2 diabetes and the possibility of preventing or controlling it when diagnosed early, along with the role of proper nutrition, exercise, blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring, smoking cessation, and adherence to treatment plans.
The second lecture was presented by Assistant Professor Dr. Ashraf Mohammed Ali and discussed the global and local prevalence of diabetes, highlighting the latest developments related to the rising rates of the disease at the international and regional levels. He explained that diabetes prevalence in Iraq is among the highest worldwide, reaching 15% of the population—a concerning figure that reflects the magnitude of the public health challenge facing the country. He stressed that this rise poses a serious threat that requires intensified awareness and health education efforts, noting that the key to combating the disease lies in adopting a healthy lifestyle, early diagnosis, and continuous follow-up.
At the end of the event, the festival included a practical activity during which awareness brochures on diabetes prevention and healthy living were distributed. Blood sugar levels were also measured for attendees, visitors, faculty members, and college staff, with field participation from second-year students under the direct supervision of faculty from the Department of Biochemistry.
Attendees expressed their great interest in these initiatives and thanked the organizers, emphasizing the importance of continuing such activities, which contribute to enhancing health awareness and promoting a culture of prevention within the university community