Strengthening Rural Health: OHF India’s Diabetes Awareness Initiative in Arunachal Pradesh

Diabetes Mellitus continues to emerge as a major public health challenge across India, and its impact is increasingly visible in rural and remote communities. Recognizing the need for early awareness and preventive action, OHF India recently partnered with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Medical College of Arunachal Pradesh to conduct a comprehensive diabetes awareness and capacity-building programme in rural regions of the state. A Collaborative Effort for Community Well-Being The initiative brought together healthcare professionals, staff nurses, community leaders, and local residents with a shared goal—to understand diabetes better and to adopt healthier lifestyles that can prevent or manage the condition effectively. As part of this outreach, Dr. Jaidev, Director of OHF India, led an insightful orientation session focusing on the fundamentals of Diabetes Mellitus, early warning signs, risk factors, and modern approaches to management. Empowering Nurses and Communities Dr. Jaidev highlighted how rural communities can play a pivotal role in combating diabetes. The session covered: Importance of lifestyle modifications Healthy and affordable diet practices Regular physical activity suited for local contexts Early screening and monitoring Stress management and family support Community-based prevention models Staff nurses, ASHAs, and local health workers received hands-on guidance on delivering diabetes education, counseling families, and identifying at-risk individuals within their villages. Promoting Lifestyle Management as the First Line of Defence One of the core messages emphasized during the programme was that lifestyle management is the most effective and accessible tool in preventing and controlling diabetes. With clear examples and practical tips, the participants learned how small, consistent changes—such as improved diet, routine walking, reduced consumption of refined sugar, and regular health checkups—can significantly reduce the disease burden. Building Health Awareness in Remote Areas This initiative marks another step in OHF India’s continuous effort to strengthen healthcare awareness in under-served regions. By collaborating with national research bodies like ICMR and academic institutions, the programme aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and community understanding. Looking Ahead OHF India remains committed to expanding health outreach activities across the Northeast and beyond. Programmes like these not only empower local healthcare providers but also encourage communities to take charge of their own health.