Mission Statement

Welcome to the South Asian Health Foundation web site. The aims of this site are encapsulated within our mission statement:

1. To promote improvements in the quality of, and access to, healthcare and health promotion in South Asians.

2. To promote research that leads to the above objectives

Press Release:

The South Asian Health Foundation calls for people in Birmingham to take action

The morning of Sunday 4th December saw residents gather at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in South Birmingham at an event to learn more about diabetes, the possible risk they face in developing this chronic disease and what action they can take to reduce their risk.

The South Asian Health Foundation (SAHF), supported by diabetes care company Novo Nordisk, hosted the event to offer the community advice on diabetes along with health checks to measure their risk of developing the condition.

Diabetes is a growing problem in the UK with an estimated  2.9 million people currently living with the disease1 and approximately another 1 million left undiagnosed2. With Type 2 diabetes being up to six times more common in people of South Asian descent3, this event looked to provide education and information to people living in Birmingham and highlight the importance of early detection and tight management of this condition.

Commenting on the event, Dr Kiran Patel, Chair of the Board of Trustees of SAHF and a Consultant Cardiologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Sandwell, Birmingham, said “Promoting greater awareness of diabetes, the risk factors and warning signs and encouraging people to seek help if they have concerns is vital.  However, changing the current trend in diabetes prevalence cannot be achieved by education alone.  We need to work together to ensure that there is continuous investment in research for future treatments for diabetes along with cardiovascular disease, mental health and musculoskeletal disorders which are all commonly found in South Asian communities.”

As well as being provided with information about diabetes and the risks and symptoms, members of the local community attending the event were also offered individual health checks such as blood pressure and BMI checks – both of which are important measures in relation to the diagnosis of diabetes.

“Diabetes can affect anyone, at any time,” said Viggo Birch, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk Limited. “We cannot let this diabetes epidemic grip our nation further.  Events such as this are vital to not only educate those who may be at risk of developing diabetes but to also ensure that people with diabetes are given access to the care they require to live a healthy active life. As a world leader in diabetes care, Novo Nordisk is committed to advancing the current approach to diabetes care and defeat diabetes by finding better methods of diabetes prevention, detection and treatment. Novo Nordisk is a proud supporter of the South Asian Health Foundation”.

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