DOHA: An exclusive camp for diabetic children that will take place here next week will help the participants cope with the illness.
Al Bawasil International Spring Camp, hosted by Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) a member of the Qatar Foundation, is the only camp in the region that brings together children with diabetes from all across the MENA region and beyond for a week-long learning and activity driven experience.
This year marks the 10th Al Bawasil Camp, which will take place from February 13 to February 18 at the Aspire Academy in Doha. QDA is at the forefront of efforts in Qatar and the Middle East to promote the prevention, care and management of diabetes.
�The Association�s work has increased in recent years due to the dramatic increase in the incidence of diabetes in Qatar, the region and worldwide,� said a QDA statement yesterday.
Children from Qatar, Iraq, Palestine, Jordan, Libya, Pakistan, Oman, Iran, Sudan, Yemen, Egypt and Bahrain will take part in various activities at the camp that offer a mixture of education and fun.
Dr Abdullah Al Hamaq, executive director of Qatar Diabetes Association said, �Our aim is to host children with diabetes in a protected and safe environment, one that can help them overcome the emotional and physical hardships that can come with having diabetes. We want to help them achieve their full potential, make new friends from this region and share their own experiences with their peers.�
The camp will include workshops that deal with diabetes and its management, such as insulin injections, dietary advice and psychosocial adjustment for those living with diabetes.
It will incorporate simple sports activities with entertainment programs. There will also be a number of visits to local, recreational and cultural sites of interest in Qatar.
Run by a team of professionals the camp is made up of six committees that include; Medical, Nutrition, Activities & Programs, Public Relations, Media & Information, Finance and Organizing & Safety personnel.