Groundbreaking Collaboration Between SPHERE and Maccabi
A significant step forward in the long-term plan to reduce existing diabetes disparities between the Galilee population and the general Israeli population
The Russell Berrie Galilee Diabetes SPHER officialy signs a groundbreaking cooperation agreement with the Northern District of Maccabi Health Care Services. This milestone is a significant step forward in SPHERE'S long-term plan to reduce existing diabetes disparities between the Galilee population and the general Israeli population.
Considering the formidable challenge posed by diabetes and obesity in the Galilee, this strategic collaboration aims to bridge gaps in diabetes care through innovative models, breakthrough research and tailored interventions to enhance the health of citizens across the Galilee.
The agreement was signed by Alon Alperovich, Northern District Manager, Macabi Health Care Services, Dr. Rizan Sakhnini, Medical Director, Northern District, Maccabi Health Care Services, Andra Hurvits, District Health Promotion Director, Maccabi Health Care Services and Professor Naim Shehadeh, Director of SPHERE, Dr. Sivan Spitzer, Deputy Director of SPHERE and Martin Duifhizen, COO SPHERE, as well as other dignitaries.
Under this agreement, key initiatives include:
· Intervention programs to reduce the transition from pre-diabetes to diabetes in Nazareth, Nof HaGalil with further expansion to Shefar'am and Safed.
· Introduction of two new intervention programs aiming to enhance patient care, reduce complications, and reduce the percentage of poorly controlled patients (HbA1c >9%).
Additional interventions and collaborative projects are in preparation.
SPHERE and Maccabi Northern District envision the joint holistic approach as a groundbreaking model for managing preventable chronic diseases especially in socio-geographical peripheries.
"Thank you for this partnership, especially the community aspect. There are moments that are important from a medical point of view and constitute real innovation," expressed Alon Alperovich, underscoring the mission at hand.
Professor Naim Shehadeh shared, "The pilot of our joint intervention showcased a significant improvement, resulting in a 50% decrease in patients transitioning from pre-diabetes to diabetes. Our agreement today to scale up our collaboration promises great outcomes for citizens across the Galilee to curb this escalating health concern."
Dr. Sivan Spitzer added, "An exciting journey between the academy and the HMO continues today, based on a deep partnership. Together, we can contribute to promoting the health of the residents of the Galilee."
Dr. Rizan Sakhnini concluded, "After more than two years of practical cooperation, we are finally starting to expand our work officially. We hope this collaboration paves the way for replicating the model in other regions."
Let's celebrate this remarkable collaboration and look forward to continued success in advancing diabetes care and promoting health!