Denmark calls for comprehensive national plan on health care
COMING from a country with an efficient health-care system, Ambassador Grete Sillasen expressed her desire that whatever it is doing for the people in Denmark would be duplicated in the Philippines.
Sillasen claimed the Nordic kingdom has a "very ambitious and a very good public health-care system”—although replicating what its government is offering when it comes to the health of its citizens is “easier said than done."
For one, she emphasized that early detection and treatment is very important in fighting diabetes—a major cause of mortality and morbidity among Filipinos—as she recommended to local health authorities to draft what she calls a “comprehensive national plan.”
"But it is [extremely] important... to create awareness about this illness,” the diplomat noted, as she revealed that Danish global pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk, which is at the forefront in the research on diabetes, is playing a vital role in introducing research and development-based innovative treatment modalities to Filipino patients.
“Diabetes...is a disease that is spreading rapidly," the diplomat said during a virtual press conference on May 6, where an innovative, once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist from Novo Nordisk was discussed.
She cited that the drug against diabetes could also be of help, as has been studied in over 10,000 Type2 patients worldwide. It has led to greater reductions in both blood sugar levels and body weight, compared with other commonly used treatments, as well as providing cardiovascular benefits.
"We at least should have a thorough knowledge of the disease to treat it,” Sillasen said, as she underscored the need to strengthen early detection and treatment—especially in children—similar to what they are doing in her homeland.
Physical activity strategy
IN relation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed a Physical Activity Strategy for the European Region 2016-2025, which aims to inspire governments to facilitate and remove barriers to physical activity.
The WHO mentioned Denmark for offering a noteworthy example of how policy actions can help raise levels of physical activity, thereby helping to reduce the risk of diabetes.
It added that the kingdom’s Health and Medicines Authority has adopted national recommendations on physical activity for children and adolescents, adults, older people and pregnant women. However, the Danish government's work on physical inactivity goes far beyond setting guidelines.
In its efforts to boost physical activity, the European country has taken a multisector approach.
“For example, the Ministry of Culture entered into a multiparty agreement in May 2014: the “Political Agreement on Sports,” which outlines a commitment to sportspolicy initiatives across ministries that govern a wide range of fields such as culture, environment, health and prevention, children, equality,
integration and social affairs, and education,” the WHO said.
The global health organization shared that in 2014, the Danish government funded the establishment of several partnerships focused on promoting physical activity and reducing overweightness among children. The partnerships involve collaboration between municipalities, local organizations, and companies.
Likewise in 2015, the Ministry of the Environment implemented Denmark's first outdoor recreation policy, which serves as a guideline for the development of outdoor recreation activities and future collaborations for outdoor activities. While this policy targets all population groups, there is a special focus on marginalized socioeconomic groups, among whom there is often lower uptake of outdoor recreational activities.
In particular, two main strategies have been launched in Denmark to further improve physical activity: The first focuses specifically on children and adolescents.
Among Danes at age 15, only 11 percent of boys and 7 percent of girls met the Who-recommended physical activity levels in 2013 and 2014.
To help combat this worrying level of inactivity, the Danish Parliament updated The Folkeskole (Consolidation) Act in 2014—originally passed 1993—which makes it compulsory for schools to offer an average of 45 minutes of physical activity per school day in primary and lowersecondary education.
The act also adds an extra physical education lesson per school week in Grade 1, and mandates an exit examination in PE when students reach Grade 9 in the Danish education system at around age 15. The Day-care Facilities Act states that all related facilities must prepare a pedagogical curriculum, with one of six themes focused on "body and motion."
Biking culture
THE second strategy capitalizes on the fact that Denmark has one of the most vibrant biking cultures in its region.
Since 2009 Denmark has invested at least €350 million in cycling projects. Its Capital Region estimates that 1 million fewer sick days are now recorded, owing to the fact that 45 percent of people who study or work in Copenhagen cycle to their place of study or work.
Furthermore, the WHO stated that the kingdom has implemented a national bike strategy, “Denmark, On Your Bike!” with three main pillars: everyday cycling, active holidays and recreation, as well as new and safe cyclists.
This was made possible, according to Sillasen, due to their government's ideal urban planning.
"What on Earth does urban planning have to do with diabetes? [Actually,] everything…” Sillasen pointed out. “Because we know the way we lay-out our big cities has a huge impact on the health of [their people. Now, we have a pandemic; we don't move as much. Some] people have unhealthy lifestyles, like eating more.”
She concluded: "The better the urban planning is, the [lesser the impact on a country’s health sector, with fewer people showing up with diabetes, heart diseases, and being] overweight.”