Israeli lawmakers, Bar-Ilan University officials, The Russell Berrie Foundation leadership and some 100 representatives of communities throughout Israel’s northern Galilee region gathered on November 16 to celebrate the official launch of The Russell Berrie Galilee Diabetes SPHERE: a $75 million effort to reduce healthcare disparities and transform diabetes care in the region. According to The Times of Israel, Israeli Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said the initiative will “address one of the most difficult health problems in the north.” Knesset member Idit Silman, the coalition whip, said diabetes was “a top priority for the government,” declaring: “Tonight, a major effort to reduce morbidity rates and to become a leader in the field of diabetes begins.” Silman hailed the comprehensive, interdisciplinary nature of the effort, which will bring together a broad spectrum of healthcare providers, researchers, community leaders, NGOs and more. “This is the connection we need between academia and the field,” she said.
Israeli Officials Hail New Diabetes Effort in Galilee