Patron

Entrant: Mrs Sumookhee (Rani) Balloo, Founder/President/Project Manager, Diabetes Safeguard.

Changing the landscape of diabetes in Mauritius: The thrill is not gone.

I must admit that it has been a thrilling time to be working in diabetes through the various projects mentioned herewith. That is not to say that everything is wonderful, and some of it makes you pretty anxious. All the main projects are based on evidence, field experiences and a vision for a healthy and sustainable future for Mauritius. They have been conceived by me and implemented under my personal supervision. They have been designed to ensure quality and consistency.

Main projects:
• Providing Self-Management Education and Support through a patient centred model of education.
• Improving the Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents living with Diabetes in Mauritius through 'The Basal Bolus therapy with insulin analogues and insulin pens', an innovative treatment.
• Introduction of the 'Point of Care Testing' thus vulgarising the importance of HbA1c and its implications in the management of diabetes, in 2011, funded by the European Union.
• Promoting awareness of the Type 2 Diabetes Epidemic threatening children and adolescents in Mauritius: Funded by the European Union / Decentralised Cooperation Programme: Year 2012-2013.
• Setting up innovative and sustainable ways of managing/preventing diabetes at Community Level through the concept of Community Diabetes Educators and Micro Clinics.
• Setting up of a "Fit Moms Club" to support women having diabetes during pregnancy.
• Ongoing Community level prevention programmes against diabetes and obesity through screening, education and training.

Awards and Recognition:
• February 2010: Recognition for having successfully organised an International Diabetes Conference.
• The National NGO Award in 2011:
• First Edition of the Barclays Colors of Life Award in 2013, in the category 'Wellness'
• March 2016: Recognition for having organised a Glaucoma Walk.
• December 2016: Outstanding Volunteer Award, conferred by the Mauritius Council of Youth Leaders:
• December 2016: Listed as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Mauritius:
• 15 February 2017: Mumbai: Outstanding Woman in Healthcare, Global Listing, World Health & Wellness Congress:
• March 2017: Listed among the 49 women who make a difference, on the occasion of the 49th Independence Anniversary of Mauritius, conferred by the Rotary Club of Vacoas.
• 24 April 2017: The Golden Globe Tigers Award: Women Leadership Award in Healthcare: CMO Asia
• 1 December 2017: Listed among the 100 Most Influential Women again: Hall of Fame Award.
• 6 December 2017: Africa Health Care Leadership Awards: Women Leadership Award in Health Care
• 27 December 2017: Promising Indian Award in the category 'Health & Wellness', conferred by the Promising Indian Society, New Delhi.
• February 2018: 100 Most Impactful Health Care Leaders: World Health & Wellness Congress
• July 2019: Women Super Achiever: Global Awards for Excellence in Quality Management & Leadership
• 17 February 2020: Pioneering Woman Leader: World Women Leadership Congress
• 13 December 2022: Sustainable Health Care Leader: World Sustainability