I have the honour to introduce, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, the draft resolution on “World Diabetes Day” contained in document A/61/L.39 Rev.1.

The following countries have joined the list of co-sponsors...

Madame President,

Diabetes is a silent epidemic which has immense human, social and economic costs. It spares no nations and the threat it is beginning to pose to development is growing.

More than 240 million people around the world now live with diabetes that kills over 3.5 million people each year. An additional 7 million are falling victims every year. Furthermore, it entails innumerable number of diseases and conditions.  Despite the growing numbers and the threat to life and well-being, its full dimension and impact remain unrecognized, particularly in low-and middle-income countries.

The World Health Organisation projects that without remedial actions, diabetes death will increase by more than 50 per cent in the next ten years. Most notable, diabetes deaths are projected to increase by over 80 per cent in upper-middle income countries between 2006 and 2015.

Madame President,

We are of the view that a UN resolution on diabetes would strengthen awareness and facilitate immediate global action in addressing this pandemic. In this regard, draft resolution A/61/L.39 Rev 1 requests that the current World Diabetes Day, November 14th, be designated as a United Nations World Diabetes Day, to be observed every year beginning in 2007. The draft resolution calls upon Member States to establish national policies focusing on prevention, treatment and care of diabetes in line with their health care system. Furthermore, Member States as well as other stakeholders are invited to observe the Day in an appropriate manner to raise public awareness on diabetes and related complications including through education and the mass media.

Madame President,

Diabetes is incurable, but its management is within human reach. With good awareness, discipline and moderation in diet and lifestyle, affected people can lead a normal life. A UN Day will significantly contribute to awareness building and draw the attention of the international community to the need of an effective measure for management, treatment and care of diabetes.

We hope that this draft resolution would be adopted by consensus.