Islamabad, 14 November 2025 — Heartfile commemorated World Diabetes Day 2025 with a series of activities aimed at raising public awareness about diabetes, emphasizing the importance of prevention and advocating for robust public health policies, including taxing sugary drinks and other measures to reduce diabetes and NCDs. The initiative began with a vibrant awareness walk at the National Press Club in Islamabad, bringing together health professionals, civil society members, and youth. Participants carried placards urging both government and society to prioritize diabetes prevention and implement evidence-based health policies.
Following the walk, Heartfile participated in a sensitization session where experts highlighted the alarming rise in diabetes prevalence in Pakistan. They emphasized the need for interventions such as increasing taxes on sugary drinks and implementing comprehensive food and nutrition policies to reduce the burden of diabetes and its complications. Additionally, Heartfile experts participated in a panel discussion that was live streamed on social media, sharing insights on strategies to combat diabetes at the population level. A free medical camp with blood sugar testing and free medicines was also a corner stone of the commemoration of the day
Through these activities, Heartfile aimed to advocate for sound food and nutrition policies, calling on policymakers to adopt national strategies that promote health and reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
