Benin/Combating diabetes: ABLODE raises awareness and screens for the disease

On Saturday November 18, 2023, men, women and children took to the streets of Cotonou. The 1st edition of the "sucre à terre" (sugar on the ground) march was a fine excuse for these occasional marchers, decked out in their sneakers, to endure the 5 km route from Place de l'Amazone to the FSS.

The procession of walkers set off from the Place de l'Amazone at around 7:30 am. Led by fitness professionals, the participants in this 1st edition of the "marche sucre à terre" initiative took to the pavement with determined steps, to contribute in their own way to the fight against diabetes. The month of November is the focus of attention for this disease, which has come to be known as the "sugar disease".

It was in 1991 that the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization created World Diabetes Day (WDD), in response to the growing health threat posed by the disease. This has since grown into a world-famous event and an official United Nations (UN) day. WDD is the world's largest diabetes awareness campaign. The date chosen for this celebration is November 14. To mark the occasion, the Association Béninoise de Lutte contre l'Obésité le Diabète et les Endocrinopathies (Beninese Association for the Fight against Obesity, Diabetes and Endocrinopathies) has launched the "Diabetes and Us" project, now in its 5th year. This project aims, among other things, to raise awareness among patients with endocrinopathies and/or metabolic diseases, and to promote good eating and nutrition habits among the population. The highlight of this year's event was a walk on Saturday, followed by free screening. Nearly 300 participants learned about diabetes and its complications.

The success of the 1st edition of this "sugar walk" is already generating a real buzz among participants and organizers alike. The Chairman of ABLODE's Board of Directors, Dr Sedrick AHOMAGNON, told us: "The walk was a great success, and we'd like to thank all the participants and sponsors. Today's turnout proves once again that we are fighting the good fight, because only prevention can help us curb diabetes. The participants leave with good resolutions, and we'll see you next year with an even livelier walk".

The 2023 edition of "La marche sucre à terre" also saw the remarkable participation of the Phoenix Phd media agency. According to its General Manager, Mr. Yslain AFFOYON, the figures relating to this disease should challenge us all, and everyone should get involved in the fight. He continues: "We supported this walk because we firmly believe that companies need healthy men and women, and fighting diabetes by supporting this project is our way of contributing to the good health of our 'corporate' customers, who employ and create wealth".

Source: matinlibre.com