Joined the programme in 2021
Cities for Better Health was launched in Kyiv in November 2021 with a mission of providing timely diagnosis, quality treatment, and prevention of diabetes among the citizens. Since joining the network, Kyiv has focused on conducting research related to the prevalence of diabetes in the city and running various media campaigns to raise awareness about the disease.
While about 90,000 people officially diagnosed with diabetes in Kyiv1, further research is required to establish an accurate picture of the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. According to recent research, it is estimated that approximately 18% of Kyiv’s residents have diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition2. Research carried out by IQVIA also found that type 2 diabetes is common among young people and children.
Challenges at the country and city levels include a high prevalence of diabetes and obesity, low levels of diagnosis, and poorly controlled diabetes.
Key facts and figures
18%
of Kyiv’s residents have diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition2
~ 3/5 (59.1%)
of population are overweight, including a quarter of the population (24.8%) who are obese3
In addition to research related to the prevalence of diabetes in the city, Cities for Better Health in Kyiv is working to raise awareness about obesity and diabetes among the general population and on the political agenda.
An online marathon series
Cities for Better Health in Kyiv arranged a series of 10 online ‘Cities for Better Health’ marathons. During the marathons, which reached almost 478,000 people, healthcare experts discussed diabetes, treatment and management of the condition, proper nutrition, mental health, and other related topics.
Public transport drives diabetes awareness
In December 2021 and January 2022, Novo Nordisk Ukraine made the most of the public transport system by running an awareness campaign on the buses, trolleys and metro. The communications campaign focused on conveying messages about how to live a full and healthy life with diabetes. For example, different metro cars were used to describe specific messages, and one car contained information about healthy preventative habits. At the same time, another demonstrated how an unhealthy lifestyle increases your risk of diabetes.
Goals to increase diagnoses and decrease complications
In the future, Cities for Better Health Kyiv will roll out programmes to increase diagnoses through pop-up screening initiatives and reduce diabetes-related complications. Mobile health stations will be located in different districts of Kyiv, near subways stations, shopping malls and public parks. At these stations, pedestrians can test their sugar levels, blood pressure and body mass index.
“We are always happy to take initiatives that complement current city events by working with international partners, socially responsible businesses, and patient organisations. I am convinced that such synergy will bring even more benefits to Kyiv citizens.”
— Anna Starostenko, Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration
Research carried out by IQVIA (2021)
United Nations, STEPS Prevalence of noncommunicable disease risk factors in Ukraine (2019)
Available at: https://ukraine.un.org/en/101307-steps-prevalence-noncommunicable-disease-risk-factors-ukraine-2019
