Laayoune hosts the first edition of the Diabetes Village, an initiative led by the Moroccan Society of Diabetology in partnership with the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra Region and Novo Nordisk. The event, organized on November 14 in celebration of World Diabetes Day and as part of the ongoing Green March festivities, emphasizes a community-based approach to inform, screen, and support citizens in the south regarding this chronic illness. The chosen theme, “Together, for a better life for diabetics,” resonates particularly in light of the recent United Nations resolution endorsing the autonomy plan for the southern provinces.
Type 2 diabetes remains a significant public health issue in Morocco, affecting nearly 2.6 million people. Its complications, particularly cardiovascular and renal, necessitate a more structured and accessible care approach. Through this event, the SMD and Novo Nordisk position the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region at the forefront of a dynamic of prevention and education, aligning with national directives advocating for equitable access to healthcare and social justice. The initiative underscores the importance of community health founded on solidarity, prevention, and inclusion.
Throughout the day, the Diabetes Village offers free screenings, specialized consultations, hemoglobin A1c testing, as well as psychological and educational support provided by professionals. Therapeutic education workshops help patients better understand their condition and adopt habits that promote better diabetes management. Concurrently, awareness sessions target the general public to prevent the onset of the disease by addressing risk factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, or overweight.
The participatory nature of this initiative creates a space for dialogue, bringing together local associations, healthcare professionals, and citizens to discuss issues related to well-being and prevention. For the president of the SMD, Dr. Sonia Abahou, the objective is clear: to enhance screening, improve support, and encourage training and research, while emphasizing that the fight against diabetes relies on collective action involving institutions, caregivers, private partners, and citizens.
Regional medical teams also highlight the importance of this event for a region where many cases are still diagnosed late. According to Professor Yousra Ghanimi, bringing together screenings, consultations, and workshops in one space provides residents with a valuable opportunity to assess their health and receive practical advice to improve their daily life.
A longstanding committed partner, Novo Nordisk contributes its expertise and educational tools to amplify the impact of this initiative. Its General Director in Morocco, Dr. Olla Al Refai, notes that early screening and therapeutic education are essential levers to slow complications and enhance the quality of life for those affected. The company emphasizes the need to act in remote areas away from major centers to bring prevention closer to citizens.
With this inaugural edition of the Diabetes Village, the Moroccan Society of Diabetology and Novo Nordisk take a further step in their commitment to public health. The event transcends the medical framework to become a moment of collective mobilization, with a clear ambition: to make prevention and health education accessible to all, from north to south, and to establish the fight against diabetes as a shared responsibility.
