World Diabetes Day 2017: Union Assurance reinforces diabetes awareness through Union Manushyathwaya

Union Manushyathwaya, the CSR platform of Union Assurance always dedicates its efforts to be responsible by making a positive contribution towards the community in which they operate in. Union Manushyathwaya is envisioned to execute community programs mainly focusing on three verticals: Dengue Awareness, Diabetes Awareness and Thalassaemia Awareness. 

To mark the significance of World Diabetes Day 2017 (14 November) which was themed as ‘Women and Diabetes’, Union Manushyathwaya organised two Diabetes Awareness and Diabetes Screening Programs in collaboration with the Public Health Department District 5 office of the Colombo Municipal Council. Leveraging on this year’s theme both the programs mainly focused on creating awareness among the women and young girls who are the key agents in adapting healthy life styles to improve the health and well-being of future generations. 

First Awareness and Screening Program was held on 14 November at Sri Dharmarama Temple – Wellawatte. Total of 150 people were screened through this program and 27 potentials diabetes patients and 23 diabetes patients was identified who were given the necessary help and advices on controlling diabetes. 

Second program was held on 22 November at Kirulapana with an active participation of 102 people where 14 potential diabetes patients and 22 diabetes patients were identified. Feedback gained from both the programs was a positive growth indicator for Union Manushyathwaya, encouraging them to further organise such events to build the awareness around preventing and controlling this complex health condition (Diabetes) which leads to several other diseases. To further extend the awareness building, UA conducted a direct mailer campaign targeting an audience over 200,000 people. The campaign was executed to send out e-flyers related to creating awareness on diabetes specifically targeting women and young girls to actively support this year’s World Diabetes Day 2017 theme. 

UA further focused on its efforts to promote the Healthy Life Style Centres managed by the Non-Communicable Diseases Unit, with the aim of influencing the communities on positive outcomes of adapting healthy life styles and to direct them to a responsible party where they can seek information and advice on Diabetic Prevention and Controlling.  Dr. Thilak Siriwardana, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases Unit (NCD) emphasising his thoughts on the initiative stated that “We all are aware that Diabetes is an abnormal metabolic condition which could lead to many other complex diseases. As a team, it is really admirable that Union Manushyathwaya-CSR Brand of UA is stepping forward to amplify the awareness creation related to Prevention and Control of Diabetes. NCD will also look forward to keep on conducting such programs with Union Manushyathwaya to build Wise-Healthy and Better future for all communities as well.”

Union Assurance’s expressed goal of creating healthier and secure communities is in line with their overall ethos of building partnerships with their stakeholders. These partnerships are based on the delivery of transparency, respectfulness, and convenience. The company will continue to deliver its promise of trust, with more programs designed to foster healthier communities in the future as well.