CONFERENCE: Diabetes education: our most urgent social responsibility

Abstract

The social responsibility of a scientific society consists of putting scientific knowledge at the service of society, acting ethically, transparently, and independently to generate a positive impact on the community.

Within this framework, the Argentine Diabetes Society (SAD) has been carrying out the Dulce MoWiQo initiative in the Chaco Impenetrable region since 2023. This public-private partnership program focuses on addressing diabetes and chronic non-communicable diseases.

A strategic alliance was established between the Faculty of Medicine of the National University of the Northeast (UNNE), the Argentine Diabetes Federation (FAD), the Ministry of Health of the Province of Chaco, and our Society, with a grant from Novo Nordisk.

Every three months, visits are made to the region with students and faculty from the UNNE Faculty of Medicine, family medicine residents, SAD graduate students and physicians, FAD volunteers, and staff from the Chaco Ministry of Health. These visits provide direct medical assistance for the early detection, prevention, and treatment of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. The approach to the territory is carried out in the main hospitals, primary care centers, and in the rural communities where the majority of the indigenous population lives. Training is provided in school and rural community gardens, and small-scale producers are trained to create productive units that improve children's nutrition.

Virtual diploma programs and in-person training are offered to health promoters, nurses, nutritionists, and physicians through the UNNE and SAD virtual campuses. We also strengthen our relationship with the community by providing courses for police officers, firefighters, and teaching staff.

We aim to contribute to the sustained improvement of the health conditions and quality of life of the population living in this region and to establish the capacity to provide such care.