On November 6, in the beautiful city of Bogotá, Colombia, the General Assembly of the XVI Congress of the ALAD was held where the Executive Committee was sworn in for the period 2016-2019, of which I have the honorable task of presiding, a responsibility that greatly distinguishes and commits by representing a vote of confidence for a great service opportunity.
Since the founding of ALAD in 1970, our association has developed various actions in the fight against diabetes, a task that has become increasingly complex because this disease has become one of the main public health problems in the world and in particular in Latin America due to its high morbidity and mortality and level of disability.
It is in this sense that from this Executive Committee that begins its functions, we present a Work Plan approved in our assembly aimed at uniting wills and efforts in the enormous challenge that the fight against this disease represents, recognizing that success will not be possible if it is not they encourage initiatives and coincidences with a sense of commitment, ethics, constancy, unity, renewal and trust.
Given the magnitude of the challenge we face, our Work Plan will strengthen actions in academia, research, clinical practice and, of course, in prevention and education as the main tools to try to stop or delay this public health problem that largely limits the development of our region.,
We do so, an attentive exhortation to the membership of our association so that from their trenches they join with enthusiasm and commitment to this Work Plan that will also allow us to continue developing coordinated actions with the public, social and private sectors in this fight against Diabetes and its complications.
I reiterate my commitment to work tirelessly to consolidate ALAD as a leader in academia, teaching and research in the area of diabetes in Latin America, hoping that they will allow me to accompany you on this complex path.
Best regards.