Yared Mezemir Tiruneh

Universita Degli Studi Del Piemonte Orientale, Italy

Abstract Title: Traditional diets and cultural beliefs affecting diabetes prevention and control in Africa

Biography:

Yared Mezemir Tiruneh is a medical doctor who graduated with great distinction from Arba Minch University in Ethiopia and is currently pursuing studies in Disaster and Health Crisis Management at Università del Piemonte Orientale in Italy. With an interest in global health, non-communicable diseases, and health systems strengthening, he is the founder and executive director of a non-profit organization in Ethiopia called "Life Bridge," focusing on mental health, HIV/STI prevention, chronic diseases, sexual and reproductive health, and malnutrition. His article focuses on the role of traditional diets and cultural determinants in shaping diabetes prevention and control strategies in Africa.

Research Interest:

The burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Africa is growing rapidly due to socio-economic changes, urbanization, and substitution of traditional and nutritious, high-fiber diets with ultra-processed, high-energy foods.
This review explains the protective value of traditional African diets that contain native grains and fermented foods, but are under threat of westernization and cultural transitions.
Moreover, cultural beliefs, social practices, dietary limitations, and gender roles strongly influence diabetes prevention and management practices on the continent.
Community-based programs, school nutrition initiatives, and fiscal policies aimed at promoting healthy food settings can be taken as promising interventions.
In spite of these considerations, there is an urgent gap in quality research studies especially randomized controlled trials and rural population studies.
Culturally sensitive multisectoral strategies are pivotal to reversing the diabetes epidemic in Africa and to achieve sustainable health results