Under the patronage of Bank of Palestine, the Society of Endocrinology and Diabetes, in partnership with the August Victoria Hospital, organized a scientific conference in Jerusalem under the slogan “challenging diabetes…beyond expectations.” The conference was organized under the supervision of a network of hospitals in East Jerusalem, in the presence of more than 300 doctors from all over Palestine.
The sponsorship of this conference stems from Bank of Palestine’s efforts in the field of corporate social responsibility, and part of the campaign that was launched by the bank in partnership with Juthur Foundation for Health and Social Development and the Augusta Victoria Hospital for the prevention of diabetes. It is also a continuation of the bank’s efforts to support all developmental sectors in Palestine with an aim to realize considerable achievements, promote the Palestinian health sector, and support activities that contribute to the development of practices to provide care for patients.
The conference featured the participation of several international lecturers who had great impact on the conference sessions, among them Professor Ralph De Fronzo, who is one of the most important scientists in the field of endocrinology and diabetes in the United States; Dr. Sara Hisheimat, a Specialist in pediatric endocrinology in the United Kingdom, Professor Luigi Essie, a specialist in the treatment and surgery of the diabetic foot in Italy; Dr. Izz Eddine Hussein, a cardiologist at Al Makassed Hospital; Professor Muhammed Abdul Ghani, a Palestinian specialist in endocrinology and diabetes in the United States; Professor Bishara Bisharat, a family physician; and Professor Rifa’at Al Safadi, a hepatologist from the Arabs of 1948.
The conference aimed to discuss the recent breakthroughs in medicine in the field of treating endocrine diseases and diabetes around the world, benefit from international experiences in treating these diseases, and observe the expertise of physicians from all over the world in terms of keeping up with the latest advancements in medicine, to promote the level of Palestinian physicians. The conference also featured presentations and discussions about the latest developments among healthcare providers in the fields of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, touching on disturbances in the pituitary and adrenal glands, diabetes and metabolic bone diseases. In addition, the most recent studies and scientific advancements in treating diabetes and the endocrine system were presented and discussed. Several lecturers talked about several issues related to the endocrine system and diabetes and their complications, which have become the most common diseases around the world, especially in Palestinian society.
The best recommendations were provided concerning clinical examinations and the provision of scientific-based modern data in order to promote best practices and provide endocrinology and diabetes healthcare services in Palestine.
During the conference, lecturers stressed the representation of all Palestinians from Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, the lands of 1948 and the Palestinian diaspora communities, and stressed the importance of networking with civil society organizations working in this field.
Over a period of two days, speakers discussed several issues, most importantly: new treatment methods for heart diseases, arteries, cholesterol, diabetes, diabetic foot and liver diseases. Speakers considered diabetes and endocrine diseases as widespread in the Arab World in general and Palestinian society in particular.
It is important to note that Bank of Palestine allocates approximately 5% of its net annual profits to corporate social responsibility, and considers this contribution to form a major part of its message to push forward the wheel of economic development, and a national duty that it takes pride in. Bank of Palestine supports charitable organizations and societies, the development of talents and innovations, and strives to empower Palestinian society in the humanitarian, health, cultural, sports and educational fields, to name a few.