The 18th Al Bawasil Diabetes Camp, organised by Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), a member of Qatar Foundation, held its opening ceremony under the patronage of HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.

The camp, which runs until January 25 at Aspire Academy, is open to boys and girls aged seven to 11 years who have diabetes. It is now in its 18th year and has grown to become one of the key events on the regional diabetes calendar, according to a press statement.
Dr Abdulla al-Hamaq, executive director of QDA, said: “The mission of our camp is to focus on children with diabetes and facilitate their experience in a medically safe environment. In addition, the programme enables children with diabetes to meet and share their experiences with one another while they learn to be more responsible about their condition.
“Each year, we provide support and advice to the parents of children with diabetes who, in return, encourage their kids to participate in the camp to improve their health and enhance their self-confidence as participants.”
The QDA initiative, held in collaboration with Aspire Academy, brings together 55 children from 10 countries, including Sudan, Morocco, Pakistan, Lebanon, Iran, Kuwait, Palestine, Oman and Iraq.


Children get to know each other


Learning how to inject insulin at the Al Bawasil Diabetes Camp

The Al Bawasil Diabetes Camp is designed to serve as a platform to teach diabetes self-management skills. The five-day programme will feature topics such as blood glucose monitoring, recognition and management of hypo-/hyperglycemia and ketosis, insulin types and administration techniques, carbohydrate counting, healthy lifestyles issues – including integration of healthy eating and physical activity, problem-solving skills for caring for diabetes at home versus camp, and life skills for independent living.
Additionally, the camp will incorporate simple sports activities with entertainment events, where the children’s artistic and creative talents will be explored. There will also be a number of visits to local recreational and cultural sites of interest in Qatar, including Qatar National Library and Oxygen Park in Education City
The Al Bawasil Diabetes Camp is run by a team of professionals and made up of six committees, comprising Medical, Nutrition, Activities & Programmes, Communication, Media & Information, and Finance and Organising Personnel.
A number of skilled medical and event staff will be available round the clock to ensure optimal safety and an integrated educational experience during the initiative.

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