Point PA&PR

The Diabetes Prevention Law

Brief:

ARPIM, in partnership with key stakeholders, launched a public affairs and communication campaign to drive legislative change for diabetes prevention and early diagnosis. The goal was to rally political, medical, and civil society support for the adoption of a national prevention law.

Solution:

A three-phase strategy was implemented:
Phase 1: Research & Coalition Building (2019) 

– Established The Romanian Diabetes Forum, uniting 10 medical societies, 2 professional colleges, 10 patient associations, and authorities.
– Conducted 6+ months of consultations with medical and policy experts. 

Phase 2: Legislative Advocacy & Awareness (2020)
– Engaged 150+ political decision-makers across all parties.
– Ran a public awareness campaign on diabetes prevention.
– Launched a social media campaign to educate the public on early diagnosis. 

Phase 3: Implementation & Expansion (2022 – Ongoing) 
– Introduced pilot screening programs in 4 localities. 
– Partnered with pharmacists’ associations for free diabetes risk assessments in pharmacies. 

Results:

  • Law passed in just 8 months, unanimously voted by the Senate and signed into law by the President one day before World Diabetes Day.
  • Romania became one of the few countries worldwide to legislate diabetes prevention.
  • The initiative moved from policy to practice, with screening programs and pharmacist-led risk assessments now being implemented.
  • Millions reached through awareness campaigns, influencing both public perception and healthcare practices.

Impact

This project not only changed legislation but also reshaped Romania’s approach to diabetes prevention. By aligning political will, medical expertise, and public awareness, it set a new standard for proactive healthcare policy. 

  • Client: The Romanian Association of International Pharmaceuticals Producers (ARPIM)
  • Year: 2019 – Ongoing
  • Challenge: Diabetes is a growing public health crisis in Romania. 1 in 10 Romanians has diabetes, and 1 in 3 has prediabetes, yet early diagnosis and prevention were almost nonexistent. 70% of cases were detected at advanced stages, leading to severe complications and frequent hospitalizations. A legislative framework for diabetes prevention was urgently needed.