Healthcare | Monday 2 February, 2015 2:46 pm |

Nahdi Medical Company, the largest retail pharmacy chain in the Middle East and North Africa, launched the largest interactive social media campaign to challenge diabetes in Saudi Arabia, as part of its CSR initiatives. The campaign titled, "I Challenge Diabetes," seeks to raise awareness through communication and engagement in a broad social context and to strengthen Nahdi's role as a leading socially responsible company.

'I Challenge Diabetes' was designed to engage the community by sending and sharing simple medical information and messages through social media channels and promoting nutritious food, physical activity and smart healthy options as a means of preventing the disease, especially since diabetes is financially overburdening patients and their families. The campaign is an extensive effort to highlight the importance of a healthy, balanced and active lifestyle, and to improve the quality of care and continuous education for diabetes patients. To ensure the success of this pioneering and unprecedented initiative, Nahdi Medical Company presented offers and organized competitions with the participation of fitness and health clubs.

"To realize its vision of achieving a healthier and more prosperous life in Saudi Arabia, Nahdi is committed to spreading hope among all groups of the Saudi society," said Hosam Al-Qurashi, Executive Vice-President of Nahdi Medical Company. "Through our investment in the wellness of the Saudi society, we want to make sure that the community is provided with the best healthcare services now and in the future."

Al-Qurashi added: "It is important to educate the society at large. Thus, through the ubiquitous digital social network, we aim to drive home that education is key to preventing and controlling diabetes. Nahdi uses various educational methods and tactics to reach beneficiaries. The 'I Challenge Diabetes' campaign engaged diabetics and their families, and their response was great. The organizers received more than 650 relevant pictures for the competition."

The first three male winners of the challenge won free one-year memberships at Fitness Time, a top fitness club in the Kingdom. Thirty others won free memberships for one month. Three female winners received free one-year memberships at Curves, a well-known female fitness center, while 20 others won free one-month memberships.

Nahdi Medical Company is one of the largest chains of pharmacies in the Middle East and North Africa, with over 850 pharmacies in 100 cities and villages in Saudi Arabia. The company employs more than 6,000 people.