The Global Diabetes Walk 2020 had big shoes to fill. The Walk campaign broke records in 2019, but the arrival of COVID-19 demanded a new approach. After consulting with partners, WDF decided to adapt the 2020 campaign to include smaller Walks, more individuality, and the option to walk the whole month of November.
“The results surpassed all our expectations – and confirmed that there is a real appetite for diabetes awareness-raising opportunities, even during a difficult year,” says Gwendolyn Carleton, WDF Communications Manager.
Organizers arranged more than 190 Walks in 66 countries that attracted more than 67,000 participants. Each took steps to prevent diabetes, supported World Diabetes Day messages, and maintained the tradition and spirit of the 16-year-old Global Diabetes Walk campaign.
This year’s biggest Walk was organized by the Georgia Red Cross Society (GRCS). On 7 November, 20,000 participants walked in 251 locations across Georgia, and 1,300 staff and volunteers raised diabetes awareness by handing out informational materials. (For more about the WDF-GRCS partnership, see Diabetes Matters, a news-style program broadcast on World Diabetes Day).
WDF continued its fruitful collaboration with Dr. Rajesh Jain, Chairman of Jain Hospital, who this year organized four Walks with 2500 participants and a Zoom conference with 75 district health care professionals and 500 HCPs. http://www.diabetesasia.org
WDF also welcomed new organizers such as Novo Nordisk Taiwan, which even recorded a song to celebrate the dedication of medical workers.
The commitment of 2020 organizers has been astonishing, but the unsung heroes of this campaign – the single walkers – must not be forgotten. This year, 20 individuals, many of them new to the WDF community, organized small walks alone or with friends and family to spread diabetes awareness.
Energy from the 14 November Walk organized by Dr. Rajesh Jain in Juhi Colony Dera Basti, Kanpur, India.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter – or sign up for our Walk newsletter for inspiration and updates.
Photo Courtesy of: Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, United Arab Emirates.
Walks in Africa
44 Walks were held with more than 11,656 participants in 22 countries (Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Djibouti, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, Somaliland, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe). The biggest Walk took place in Tanzania, with 3,000 participants and organized by the Physical Activity Association of Tanzania – PAAT.
Walks in Europe
22 Walks were held with 22,948 participants in 13 countries (Afghanistan, Armenia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Serbia, Spain, and Uzbekistan). The biggest Walks were organized by the Georgia Red Cross Society – keeping up the tradition they started in 2014.
Walks in the Middle East and North Africa
8 Walks were held with 7,332 participants in 7 countries (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). The biggest Walk event took place in Jordan with 5,000 participants organized by the Royal Health Awareness Society.
Walks in North America and the Caribbean
49 Walks were held with 1,704 participants in 9 countries (Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, United States). The biggest Walks took place in Louisiana in the United States, where AstraZeneca Diabetes West Area organized a Walk for 500 participants.
Walks in South America
26 Walks were held with 4,643 participants in 7 countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela). The biggest Walk took place in Colombia, where Fundación Vida Nueva organized a Walk event in Barranquilla with 2,000 participants.
Walks in South-East Asia and Western Pacific
43 Walks were held with 19,181 participants in 7 countries (Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam). The biggest Walk took place in Indonesia, with Humanity & Inclusion hosting a virtual event for 4,000 participants.
Since 2004, more than 5 million people have joined WDF’s campaign on World Diabetes Day. They have walked through villages, suburbs and metropolises worldwide, spreading awareness about diabetes prevention and care.
This year, we will be walking all November to mark World Diabetes Day on Nov 14. You design your very own Walk – just remember to follow local guidelines, and stay safe.
Why take steps? Because diabetes is a pandemic
Today, more than 463 million people have diabetes. By 2030, that could rise to 578 million. Most live with type 2 diabetes, which is preventable in many cases. Four out of five people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries.
The Global Diabetes Walk is WDF’s contribution to the IDF’s annual World Diabetes Day campaign.
- What is it? It’s a Walk designed by you, based on the regulations and conditions where you live. Walk alone or together, at home or in public spaces. You decide – then, inspire others by sharing your plans, and results.
- When is it? November 2020
- Why should I Walk? When you walk, you take care of yourself and spread awareness about the importance of diabetes prevention and care.
- How do I participate? First, visit the Global Diabetes toolbox for inspiration. Once you have a plan, register to join the campaign.
- Can I share my experience? Yes! Join the Walk conversation on Facebook and subscribe to the Walk newsletter. After you Walk in November, add a photo or comment to the Walk registration page. Materials are available both for printing and for sharing online on social media.
- Is there more I can do? Yes! In the Walk Resources section, you’ll find interesting materials to read yourself, and share with friends.
- Design your Walk. Will you walk at home or in public? Alone or with others? See the Walk Toolbox for ideas. Then choose your distance – short, medium or long.
- Be safe and compliant. Be sure to follow local rules and alert authorities if relevant.
- Seek partners.
- Individual walkers – think about whether anyone would like to join you. If local regulations allow, organize small Walks together. If not, consider walking at the same time – apart.
- WDF partners and organizations – think about how to motivate your community to Walk. Reach out to relevant spokespersons, leaders of diabetes associations, and others who can help you get the word out, provide good ideas, and contribute financing for your plan.
- Register your Walk. Early registration is more important than ever in 2020 – your commitment will inspire others to participate. This registration is not binding – just let us know what you have in mind. After your Walk, you can change your registration and add pictures or comments about your experience.
- Read, learn, and share. See our Resources section for information about diabetes, exercise, COVID-19 and NCDs, and more. You will also find social media-friendly images and graphics.
- See below for information about diabetes, exercise, COVID-19 and NCDs, and more. You will also find social media-friendly images and graphics.GLOBAL DIABETES WALK MATERIALS
Download new materials to read and share:
Three Steps for Change (WDF)
COVID-19 and diabetes (WDF)USEFUL LINKS
See these useful links from WDF partners:
Home-based exercise for people with diabetes (International Diabetes Federation)
Information on COVID-19 and NCDs (WHO)
Mr Bean’s Essential COVID-19 Checklist (WHO)
Explore the interactive ‘Who Walks‘ map to find a Walk near you.
Click on the map to get the full overview.
https://www.worlddiabetesfoundation.org/webforms/register-registro-s%E2%80%99inscrire
https://www.globaldiabeteswalk.org/register-your-walk/
About Post Author
