Danish Ambassador Urges Joint Action on Obesity and Diabetes in Pakistan Before Farewell

Danish Ambassador Urges Joint Action on Obesity and Diabetes in Pakistan Before Farewell

Nadeem Tanoli

Islamabad: In a heartfelt farewell address, the Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, His Excellency Jakob Linulf, called for stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to address the rising crisis of obesity and diabetes in Pakistan. Speaking at a health dialogue hosted by Novo Nordisk Pakistan, the ambassador reflected on his three-year tenure in the country and emphasized the critical need for awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic lifestyle diseases.

Ambassador Linulf opened his remarks by acknowledging the deep connection he and his family have formed with Pakistan. He described the country as both beautiful and full of potential, but also grappling with widespread public health challenges—particularly the growing burden of non-communicable diseases like type 2 diabetes.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, he noted that Pakistan has the highest percentage of diabetics in the world, with nearly one-third of the population affected. He expressed concern over the lack of public awareness about the connection between diet, physical inactivity, and chronic illness. He warned that many patients in Pakistan live with undiagnosed diabetes, leading to shorter lifespans and a dramatically reduced quality of life.

Drawing a comparison with Denmark, the ambassador explained that while obesity and diabetes are global issues, access to proper diagnosis and treatment makes a critical difference. He emphasized that lifestyle diseases must be recognized as real medical conditions, not just personal failures. According to him, type 2 diabetes should not be left to individuals alone—it requires professional support, societal recognition, and a shift in public understanding.

Ambassador Linulf also took the opportunity to praise Pakistan’s natural resources and culinary culture. He expressed dismay at the overconsumption of sugary and oily foods despite the country’s access to world-class fruits, vegetables, and traditional cuisine. He urged the public and policymakers to embrace healthier eating habits and promote balanced nutrition as a national priority.

Speaking proudly of his Danish roots, he commended Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company headquartered in Denmark, for its long-standing commitment to Pakistan. He shared his personal experiences visiting hospitals and diabetes clinics across the country and witnessing the company’s on-ground initiatives through its “Driving Change in Diabetes” campaign. He noted that Novo Nordisk’s approach—based on Danish public-private cooperation—serves as a model for building sustainable healthcare solutions.

The ambassador stressed that no single entity can solve Pakistan’s health crisis alone. Lasting impact, he said, requires unordinary partnerships across sectors, just as Novo Nordisk has demonstrated. He urged Pakistan’s government to work hand-in-hand with the private sector to build a stronger response to obesity and diabetes, which he called a “growing tragedy.”

While bidding farewell, Ambassador Linulf emphasized that his departure from Pakistan was not the end of Danish involvement. He expressed confidence in the enduring legacy of Denmark’s diplomatic and corporate presence in the country, and in the shared mission to improve health outcomes for future generations.