NOVEMBER 12, 2013, KUMASI – World Diabetes Day in Ghana will be commemorated in Kumasi at Golden Tulip Kumasi City this Thursday, November 14th with a flag raising ceremony, free screenings, health checks, and educational talks.

There will be a Health & Wellness Fair from November 14th – 16th, to raise awareness about healthy living and provide the general public with access to reputable healthcare organisations.

The combined event is organised by Ministry of Health in conjunction with National Diabetes Association, Golden Tulip Kumasi City, and First Fidelity Health, and under the auspices of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Guest of Honour for the World Diabetes Day event is His Excellency the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama. Foreign dignitaries will also be in attendance.

According to General Manager of Golden Tulip Kumasi City, Sam Aduama, the fair is part of the hotel’s corporate social responsibility. ‘This event is designed to offer both corporate organisations and individuals the opportunity to have a one-stop platform where they can engage health experts, as well as identify various products and services in the health sector.

It is part of the hotel’s society-focused initiatives and I expect it to be a success’, Aduama said.

Ernestina Cantil is General Manager of First Fidelity Health, a private Mutual Health Insurance Scheme and co-collaborators for the event. She said, ‘As a not-for-profit making organisation, First Fidelity Health is committed to addressing the healthcare needs of our members and the general public. World Diabetes Day and the Health & Wellness Fair provide a perfect avenue to prove that commitment.

The Health & Wellness Fair 2013 will feature activities including free screenings and health checks, educational talks on diabetes and cancer, a ‘Walk Against Cancer’, health product launches and exhibitions, an invitational tennis tournament, and live media coverage and interviews.

Over 50 reputable healthcare institutions, corporate bodies, government institutions and individuals will participate and display health products and services.

The general public is warmly invited.

About World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. It is celebrated worldwide by the over 200 member associations of the International Diabetes Federation in more than 160 countries and territories, all Member States of the United Nations, as well as by other associations and organizations, companies, healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes and their families.

World Diabetes Day engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness, and draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. ‘Diabetes Education and Prevention’ is the World Diabetes Day theme for the period 2009-2013. Here in Ghana, the Ministry of Health and National Diabetes Association lead efforts to manage the disease. The theme for celebrations in Ghana this year is ‘Protect our future’ ‘Sankofa’.

About Health & Wellness Fair 2013

An initiative by Golden Tulip Kumasi City Hotel and private health insurer, First Fidelity Health geared towards helping to minimize non-communicable disease risks among today’s working class and also to promote healthy lifestyles.

The Health and Wellness Fair is a three day exhibition and Trade event, where corporate bodies and individuals will display health products and services. There will also be seminars to discuss vital health issues and product launches as well as various health screenings.

Reputable organisations attending are from sectors including: pharmaceuticals, dental, hospitals, laboratories, natural/traditional health/ alternative medicine care, nutrition, medical transportation, health travels, government agencies, financial setups, manufacturing, healthcare supplies institutions- detergents, equipment etc.