To boost disease prevention, improve medical adherence, and achieve optimal treatment outcomes in the country, Watsons and Diabetes Philippines, Inc. (DPI) inked a partnership on Tuesday, 1 July.

Officially sealed in time for National Diabetes Awareness Month, the partnership between the two prime movers in the healthcare industry aims to significantly strengthen efforts in raising awareness and empowering individuals with diabetes with diabetes to effectively manage their condition.

Based on World Health Organization data, approximately 830 million individuals worldwide live with diabetes, with the majority residing in low- and middle-income countries.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, it is estimated that by 2025, 6.63 percent of the adult population or roughly 4.7 million Filipinos will be affected. This makes diabetes a substantial health concern in the country.

The partnership, according to Joweeh Liao, Finance, Property Development, and Health Business Unit Director of Watsons Philippines, targets to deliver confident, consultative care, and improved patient outcomes.

"We're committed to uplifting the lives of our customers and the community we serve and this partnership with DPI has been very strategic to make this, for us, a reality," Liao explained.

"We invest in diabetes care, in education, in early prevention, and for those who are already contracted. It's a lifelong relationship with them," she added.

Liao said with the partnership, Watsons pharmacists will "significantly enhance their expertise in diabetes management" as their training will expand beyond conventional pharmacy practice to include comprehensive chronic disease management.

She also vowed that Watsons is "committed to being a trusted and reliable partner in health and wellness" by providing expert in pharmacist advice, ensuring sufficient and readily available stocks, and supporting sustainable wellness practices.

For DPI's part, its president Dr. Fatima Tiu stressed that the organization is "deeply committed to improving the lives of individuals with diabetes" in the country.

As Tiu welcomed the significant partnership with Watsons Philippines, she reiterated that "diabetes is a treatable condition" and its complications "can be avoided or delayed through proper diet, regular physical activity, medication, and consistent screening."

"Through this partnership, we are optimistic that we can extend assistance to even more people and the wide community," she added, noting that Watsons is one of the most accessible pharmacies in then country.

"You find them even in the farthest of Mindanao where I come from," she continued.