IDF member since
2019
Number of members
1000
Address
61 avenue Habib Bourguiba, Sfax, 3000, Tunisia

About

Founded in 2008 by a group of university-affiliated and private practice physicians, the Association of Endocrinologists and Diabetologists of Sfax (AEDS) has been a driving force in advancing diabetes care and research in Tunisia.

In 2010, AEDS established the Diabetes House of Sfax, the first institution of its kind in the country, dedicated to supporting both healthcare professionals and individuals living with diabetes. Today, the association counts approximately 1,000 members and maintains active collaborations with national diabetes organisations and scientific societies. Recognized for its contributions to the field, AEDS became a permanent member of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2019.

Main Focus

  • Community Engagement and Support: Initiatives aimed at fostering social inclusion for both members and individuals living with diabetes.
  • Diabetes Prevention: Programmes dedicated to reducing the incidence of diabetes through early intervention and lifestyle education.
  • Therapeutic Education: Structured educational initiatives designed to enhance self-management and treatment adherence for individuals with diabetes.
  • Public Awareness and Advocacy: Efforts to raise awareness about diabetes among the general public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers involved in national health programmes.
  • Scientific Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: Organisation of regional and national scientific events in partnership with other medical societies to advance diabetes research and clinical practice.

Activities

  • Regular organisation of scientific meetings in Sfax and other regions of Tunisia, bringing together members and colleagues from across the country.
  • Co-organization of “The Summer Day” in collaboration with the Tunisian Society of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolic Diseases (STEDIAM).
  • Annual hosting of “The Thematic Day of Diabetology of Sfax” since 2020, fostering discussion on emerging trends and advancements in diabetes care.
  • TheDiabetes House serves as a hub for interaction among people with diabetes, physicians across various specialties, paramedics, and educators, facilitating training sessions for nurse educators in diabetology and patient education.
  • Organisation of extensive screening and awareness campaigns, along with health caravans throughout the year, in collaboration with other associations and pharmaceutical partners. These initiatives extend across Sfax and other regions, including satellite open days on special occasions.
  • Hosting holiday camps designed for children and adolescents with diabetes, led by trained educators and supervisors, to promote social integration and self-management skills.
  • Annual World Diabetes Day celebrations aligned with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) theme, raising awareness on a global scale.
  • Supervision of the Young Diabetics Club of Sfax, established within the Diabetes House, to provide ongoing support and engagement for young individuals living with diabetes.

Publications & Newsletters

  • Book: “Expression, Art-Therapy, and Well-Being at Sfax Diabetes House – Tunisia” published in December 2024 during the IDF MENA Region Congress in Tunisia.
  • Original article: “Inventory of Insulin Access in Tunisia – IDF MENA Region,” published in the Journal of Diabetology.org (December 2022).

Message from the President

As President of the Association of Endocrinologists and Diabetologists of Sfax (AEDS), I am honored to lead a dedicated team committed to the fight against diabetes and its complications across Tunisia. As a non-governmental organization, AEDS plays a crucial role in diabetes prevention, patient support, and therapeutic education, working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and national and international partners. Our affiliation with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is a source of immense pride, reinforcing our commitment to global standards in diabetes care. By integrating IDF recommendations into our initiatives, we strive to improve prevention strategies, enhance access to care, and support individuals living with diabetes in leading healthier lives.