More than 3,000 participants gathered at Sama Bay in Galali for the fifth edition of the Defeat Diabetes Walkathon, jointly organised by Al Hilal Healthcare Group and Solidarity Bahrain as part of Diabetes Awareness Month 2026.
Held under the theme “Walk Together, Stay Healthy,” the 3 km community walk aimed to raise awareness about diabetes, encourage regular physical activity and highlight the importance of preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyle choices.
The event brought together members of the community, families, healthcare professionals, sports enthusiasts and representatives from various organisations, creating an opportunity to promote health awareness and encourage people to adopt more active lifestyles.
The event was attended by representatives of both organising organisations, including Dr. Sharath Chandran, CEO of Al Hilal Healthcare Group; Mr. Jai Prakash, Chief Business Development Officer of Solidarity Bahrain; Mr. Asif Mohammed, Vice President – Business & Strategy of Al Hilal Healthcare Group; and CA Sahal Jamaludheen, Finance Manager of Al Hilal Healthcare Group.
The Guests of Honour included Mr. Mohamed Alsameea, MMA athlete representing KHK BRAVE Combat Federation, Kingdom of Bahrain; Dr. Sarah Al Shobber, Managing Director of Nextcare Bahrain; Ms. Nur Atikah Binti Anuar, Head of Chancery at the Malaysian Embassy in Bahrain; and Mr. Butch Pasive, Administrative Officer at the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain.
As part of the event’s health awareness initiatives, Al Hilal Healthcare Group’s medical team provided complimentary random blood glucose testing to participants, encouraging them to monitor their health and understand the importance of early detection and regular health check-ups.
Participants who completed the 3 km walk received participation certificates, complimentary health check-up vouchers and refreshments in recognition of their involvement.
The event also received positive feedback from participants, who expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements and overall experience. A dedicated feedback area was set up at the venue, allowing participants to share their comments and suggestions, reflecting the positive response and strong community engagement.
The event was supported by several partners, including KHK Sports, BRAVE, Sama Bay, Megamart, Fitness First, Bakemart, Bahrain Public Transport Company and Pocari Sweat.
Dr. Sharath Chandran, CEO of Al Hilal Healthcare Group, said:“Five seasons on, the Defeat Diabetes Walkathon has grown into a true community movement. Simple lifestyle changes, such as walking regularly, eating well and staying active, can help prevent type 2 diabetes and, for those already living with diabetes, delay its complications. When more than 3,000 people walk together and go home talking about diabetes, that awareness reaches families, workplaces and communities across Bahrain. That is the impact we set out to create, and I thank Solidarity Bahrain, our partners and our volunteers for making it possible.”
Mr. Jai Prakash, Chief Business Development Officer of Solidarity Bahrain, said:“At Solidarity, we are committed to supporting our community through a range of corporate social responsibility initiatives throughout the year. Our Walkathon, organised in partnership with Al Hilal Healthcare, is one of these initiatives. Held every November, it brings people together across Bahrain to raise awareness about diabetes and promote healthier lifestyles.”
Mr. Asif Mohammed, Vice President – Business & Strategy of Al Hilal Healthcare Group, said:“Over the past five years, the Defeat Diabetes Walkathon has been an important part of our ongoing engagement with the community. What started as an initiative to bring people together for a health cause has continued to grow, with increasing participation and support each year. This journey reflects our commitment to building strong connections with the community, listening to its needs and creating initiatives that encourage greater involvement in health and well-being. We are proud of how far this initiative has come and look forward to continuing this journey in the years ahead.”
CA Sahal Jamaludheen, Finance Manager of Al Hilal Healthcare Group, said:“Investing in community health and preventive healthcare is an important part of building a healthier and stronger society. Initiatives like the Defeat Diabetes Walkathon highlight how collective efforts can create a positive and lasting impact. We believe that raising awareness, encouraging early detection and promoting healthier lifestyles are essential steps towards reducing the burden of diabetes. We are proud to support initiatives that bring people together for a meaningful cause and contribute to the well-being of our community.”
Through initiatives such as the Defeat Diabetes Walkathon, Al Hilal Healthcare Group and Solidarity Bahrain continue to bring communities together to promote healthier lifestyles, encourage physical activity and raise awareness about the prevention and management of diabetes. The fifth season reflects the continued importance of community participation and collective efforts in building a healthier society.
Al Hilal Healthcare Group is one of the largest private healthcare providers in the Kingdom of Bahrain, operating 11 branches across the Kingdom. Alongside providing a wide range of healthcare services, the Group actively organises and supports community initiatives that promote health awareness and preventive care. Through programmes such as the Defeat Diabetes Walkathon, Al Hilal continues to encourage physical activity, healthier lifestyle choices and greater awareness of diabetes, contributing to a healthier community.
