Dr. Jackie Maalouf is Elected as the First Arab Woman VP of the International Diabetes Federation

On December 5, 2022, Members of the IDF from 170 countries gathered in Lisbon, Portugal for the general assembly and the elections for the coming biennium.

Dr. Jackie Kassouf Maalouf, President and Co-Founder of the National Diabetes Organization - DiaLeb and DiaLeb USA, from Lebanon was elected as the Vice President of IDF. This is a first for a woman from the MENA region to be elected for such a high position on the global board.

“I am very proud and honored to represent Lebanon and every Arab woman.“ said Dr. Maalouf after being elected. She added: “Today, I am the voice of those living with diabetes not only in Lebanon and the region but also those from across the world. I am determined to continue working, hand in hand with the newly elected board and putting the needs of the patients first.”

Lebanese Nonprofit Spreads Awareness About Diabetes

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Jackie Maalouf, Ph.D., traveled to the United States from Beirut, Lebanon to attend the Middle Eastern Food Festival and talk about the nonprofit she founded, which is in the process of being registered in the United States. Dr. Maalouf founded the organization DiaLeb with her daughter, Sylvie, after she was diagnosed with diabetes. “Sylvie got diagnosed at an unconventional age. She was 24 when she got diagnosed,” Dr. Maalouf said. “It was definitely a shock.”

Sylvie got diagnosed at an unconventional age. She was 24 when she got diagnosed,” Dr. Maalouf said. “It was definitely a shock.

DiaLeb spreads awareness of diabetes and helps support people who have been recently diagnosed through summer camps, support groups and educational sessions.

At the food festival, Dr. Maalouf sought to spread information to attendees about diabetes and DiaLeb, whether or not they were of Lebanese background.

“Diabetes does not recognize a nationality or a religion or anything,” Dr. Maalouf said. “I think overall it was very productive and positive for us, being here, and I think I would definitely do it another time.”

Photo by Carlyn Kranking/The Connection