22 nd June 2023
Own Correspondent
The positive link between physical exercise and its effects on preventing the onset and progression of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is well-established. Regrettably, the battle is far from over, as NCD’s account for more than 45% of deaths in Botswana to date. Key indicators of the prevalent causes of NCDs such as unhealthy diets, limited fiber intake, fruit and vegetables and minimal physical activity by Batswana are equally of concern.
Exercise and marathon culture increasingly attract participants not only for the big race but for the regular preparatory efforts prior. All of these contribute to healthier mindsets and physical form. This is the rationale behind the annual Diacore Gaborone Marathon, (DGM), the flagship sporting event brought to life by Diacore Botswana.
“We conceived the idea for the marathon in 2013 because we wanted to find a way to bring together the community at large for a fun and healthy way to engage and to bring greater attention to healthier living. Diacore Botswana is alive to the fact that NCDs are a national concern, and we are committed to encouraging people to make the necessary lifestyle changes to help combat this. Whether you want to run 42km or 21km, or even simply do a fun 5km when we say it is time to #RiseRunShine, we mean it for the long-term,” said Kfir Teichman, Managing Director of Diacore Group.
The Botswana Multi-Sectoral Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2018-2023 reveals that NCDs have progressively become a leading cause of death globally, claiming 40.5 million lives annually, accounting for more deaths than HIV, TB and malaria combined. The extensiveness of these is the same for Botswana, with the daunting effects of NCDs now more visible than ever in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diacore Botswana believes that collaborative partnerships are key for creating sustainable and lasting impact. Over the years, Diacore Botswana has forged partnerships with Botswana’s biggest corporations and stakeholders to pool resources and expertise for the marathon.
This is in support of Botswana’s Strategy for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases that aims to achieve 80% of the general population with NCD prevention awareness by 2023 and 80% of community structures supporting quality and cost-effective NCD prevention interventions by 2023.
“Things are changing; they must change. We have over ten thousand registrations already for this year’s DGM, and even our partners such as Botswana Medical Aid Society and Mascom have been strategically engaged because this goes beyond just a single day. It is about getting people to move, to take care of their bodies, hearts, and minds, and adopt a healthier lifestyle. This was the impetus behind establishing Diacore Marathon, and remains a key driver to date, with 10 DGM editions held to date. We all have a role to play in fighting NCDs and investing in wellbeing; at Diacore Botswana, we take this incredibly seriously,” said Teichman.
Beyond the marathon, Diacore Botswana passionately drives additional initiatives aimed at championing wellness and well-being. These efforts include organising fitness challenges for internal stakeholders, providing employee wellness programmes, and sponsoring other sporting events in Botswana such as the annual tournaments between the diamond companies, sponsored by Botswana Diamond Manufacturers Association (BDMA).
Whether one is attending an activation ahead of Diacore Marathon 2023, or simply training alone before the big day, it is crucial to realise that this is more than simply a race or a once-off marathon; it is away to reclaim healthy living and change the national narrative on Batswana’s health status.
