Dubai's ‘Stay Strong' Diabetes app gets more than 4000 downloads

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 27, 2014: Dubai’s ‘Stay Strong’ diabetes app that was launched on November 1^st this year, has got more than 4000 downloads so far, said a top DHA official.

Dr Elamin Ibrahim Elamin, Endocrinologist at Dubai Hospital said the interactive digital campaign, which is part of the overall ‘Dubai Against Diabetes Initiative’ is aimed to form the largest virtual circle of diabetics in the world. The campaign is launched by the Dubai Health Authority’s Diabetes Combat and Control Committee in partnership with healthcare communications agency Benchmark Middle East.

The app known as ‘Stay Strong’ presently has a  diabetes themed game and the players can compare scores making it an interactive platform for diabetics and non-diabetics alike. Shortly, the Dubai Diabetes Combat and Control Committee will provide , via the app, information for diabetics, pre-diabetics and people who want to follow healthy eating and lifestyle patterns. Latest information and updates on diabetes will be shared via the app.

The app will also have specific information for children with diabetes including how to prepare interesting diabetic meals for kids, physical exercise requirement for them and fun ways to incorporate exercise.

Dr. Elamin said: “Today, smart phone penetration is significant and this app  provides us with an opportunity to make health information accessible to individuals with diabetes, pre-diabetes and to people who are interested to get information about leading a healthy lifestyle. People have access to this information  on their finger tips and they can access it any time that it convenient to them. Moreover, the interactive features make the app very attractive. In line with Dubai’s smart government  initiatives, at DHA we are using smart technology for health education and given the prevalence of diabetes in the UAE, such health education measures are necessary.”

Mohamed Hammad, Founder and Managing Director at Benchmark Middle East, FZ-LLC, said: “ The app challenge mirrors the philosophy of ‘stay strong’, which is necessary for diabetics who deal with the daily challenges of living with the disease. We have developed several prizes and other incentives to help people  get involved in leading a healthy life.

“At the end of every month, 40 players including the top 20 players and top 20 challengers of the diabetes challenge game available on the app will be rewarded with healthy meal plans delivered to their door-step. The meal-plans will be delivered for one month or two weeks or a week depending on the score of the player.

“The idea is to rope in people and make it challenging and entertaining for them so that they begin to have positive affirmations with regard to healthy meals, physical exercise and overall wellbeing.”

Reem Al Hatmi, Senior Administrative Officer at the Dubai Diabetes Centre and member of the Dubai Against Diabetes committee, said: “The DHA believes in such interactive initiatives which yield long-lasting results in line with the DHA vision in raising diabetes awareness and prevention.”

Other partners in this campaign include Johnson and Johnson, Merck Serono Gulf , AstraZeneca Gulf and Kcal. The campaign has also reached out to 13 schools and colleges this month and will continue to do so over the next few months.