Recently, two stakeholder meetings in Italy demonstrated the potential for our existing city partners to share their experience, create awareness and motivate potential new partner cities. The first meeting took place in April at the City Hall of Varese, a day before the city's annual EcoRun event. Representatives from Cities Changing Diabetes met with local stakeholders, including the General Director of the Local Health Unit, the Medical Hospital Director, and representatives from Scientific Societies and the regional Counsellor. The meeting focused on discussing the mission and values of Cities Changing Diabetes and its work in the eight partner cities across Italy.
On 19 April, the Cities Changing Diabetes Italy Atlas was presented
to regional representatives, including politicians, academics, health
sector leaders and Andrea Lenzi, the president of the Health
City Institute.
The Atlas provides
information about the prevalence of diabetes and contains information
relating to health-promoting policies, urban planning and community
health in Italy. Our two partner cities Rome and Milan have mapped the
impact of urbanisation on type 2 diabetes, and the Atlas draws
attention to how the prevalence of diabetes varies between
neighbourhoods and is influenced by socioeconomic factors.
Convening stakeholders from regional government and sharing
knowledge in this way is a great way to build the case for obesity and
diabetes prevention. Well done to all involved!
