The Diabetes Association of Dominica (DOMDA) held its Annual General Meeting at the Goodwill Parish Hall on July 25, after a three-year absence.

Speaking live from overseas, president of DOMDA, Marvyln Birmingham made an appeal to the public to join the association because diabetes affects everyone,  not just families with persons who are diabetic. In her status report, she especially thanked the St.Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association and the St.Kitts Diabetes Association who assisted in tangible ways following the passage of Hurricane Maria.

Birmingham highlighted a few of the Association’s activities including the Foot Care Program, the Hearing Care Program and the Mini Health Fair held to commemorate World Diabetes Day.  She said that at this AGM, the association chose to focus on the consumption of harmful amounts of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) and the adverse effects on the lives of children and adults.

Among activities at the AGM was a real display of the sugar content of many favorite foods. The featured address was given by Public Health Nutritionist and President of the Antigua Diabetes Association, Juanita James.

The AGM was held under the theme, ‘The Family and Diabetes… are we drinking ourselves to the grave?’