The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) in association with George Institute, Australia launched a multicountry lifestyle intervention programme titled 'Living' for the prevention of type-2 diabetes mellitus among Bangladeshi women with gestational diabetes, reports UNB.

The launching ceremony was held at IEM conference room of Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP) in the capital’s Karwan Bazar.

Prof Dr Anushka Patel, chief scientist of George Institute is leading the multi-country trial while Dr Aliya Naheed, head of Non-communicable Disease Initiative of icddr,b is leading Bangladesh in the programme as the principal investigator.

The study was conducted by icddr,b in collaboration with Maternal Child Health and Training Institutions (MCHTI), Azimpur; Mohammadpur Fertility Services and Training Centre (MFSTC); BIRDEM 2, Shegunbagicha; Mariestopes Premium-1, Dhanmondi.

Dr Jahangir Alam Sarker, line director of MCH and directorate general of Health Services (DGHS) was present as the chief guest while Dr Mohammed Sharif, director of MNCH and line director of MCRAH, DGFP chaired the session.

Dr Richard Smith, chair of the Board of Trustees of icddr,b and Dr Quamrun Nahar, senior director (acting) of the Health Systems and Population Studies Division were, among others, present at the programme.

In her speech, Dr Aliya Naheed said the Living study has been well customized for Bangladesh health systems and designed pragmatically based on the findings of a formative research, so that the intervention can be easily adopted in both of the public and private facilities targeting prevention of diabetes in women with prior GDM.

"We need a low cost but effective intervention for the prevention of the rising burden of diabetes in Bangladesh, and preventing diabetes by promoting low intensity behavioural intervention in women in reproductive age might be a faster track solution for Bangladesh" she added.

"The pro active roles of the public and private sectors for adopting the Living intervention today will build a better future for both the mothers and children tomorrow" Dr Aliya said.