Child Health Experts Warn of Rising Diabetes Cases in Tunisia

Child health specialists in Tunisia have sounded the alarm over the continued rise in diabetes cases among children, a trend attributed to genetic factors and changes in lifestyle. Meanwhile, doctors emphasize the growing importance of other chronic diseases such as asthma, allergies, and respiratory complications.

These statements were made in Hammamet during a scientific meeting that brought together the 42nd Maghreb Congress and the 36th National Congress of Pediatrics, with the participation of over 915 doctors and experts from several countries in Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and the United States.

Khaled Mnif, president of the Tunisian Association of Pediatrics and head of the intensive care unit at Béchir Hamza Hospital in Tunis, said that work is underway to establish a precise national registry of childhood diabetes cases. This project is being carried out in coordination with specialized structures for diabetes care and pharmaceutical laboratories.

He emphasized that current efforts are also focused on developing new insulin administration techniques that are less restrictive for children, while stressing the need for joint mobilization of families, healthcare institutions, and specialized associations.

Regarding respiratory diseases, experts noted that bronchiolitis affects a significant number of children, with approximately 50% of cases evolving into asthma. However, they stressed that proper medical follow-up allows patients to lead a normal life, including engaging in high-level sports.

Specialists also warned against childhood arthritis and rheumatism, while calling for the avoidance of antibiotic use without a medical prescription, reminding that their administration must be based on a rigorous medical evaluation.

In terms of prevention, pediatricians emphasized the essential role of vaccination in protecting childhood health. They expressed concerns about the rise of anti-vaccination movements and the spread of false information, which have hindered vaccination campaigns against the human papillomavirus (HPV), recognized worldwide for its link to several types of cancer. They also reminded the importance of vaccinating pregnant women against flu to protect newborns.

This three-day scientific meeting includes seven daily workshops focused on training young doctors and exchanging experiences. The goal is to adapt international medical advances to local realities and improve the care of childhood diseases in the region.