To ensure that people with diabetes have access to proper care and knowledge on preventing non-communicable diseases, imams will be recruited as community health advocates.

The project, “Diabetes Prevention through Religious Leaders”, was initiated yesterday during a meet the press at Diabetic Association of Bangladesh in Dhaka.

It was launched in association with the diabetic association, World Diabetes Foundation, Islamic Foundation and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) control programme of Directorate General of Health Services, said a press release.

Under the project, imams will recite khutba (sermon), drafted by Islamic Foundation, on diabetes prevention and other NCDs during juma prayers. Tablet computers will also be provided to the imams in this regard.

The approved khutba will be sent to the grand mufti of Saudi Arabia and will be shared with other Islamic countries in future.

Under the project, free diabetes screening of 2.5 lakh people will be held.

High-ups of the diabetic association and DGHS were present at the meeting.