Saint-Denis, Réunion – A new initiative is underway in Réunion to combat the rising rates of diabetes and obesity, two significant public health challenges facing the French island. Dubbed the “Village du Diabète” (Diabetes Village), the program, established at Nordev in Saint-Denis, aims to empower patients through education and partnership, fostering a more proactive approach to managing this chronic disease. This effort is part of a broader, newly launched regional strategy to improve nutritional health and reduce health inequalities across Réunion.
The launch of the “Village du Diabète” coincides with the implementation of the Programme Réunionnais de Nutrition et de lutte contre le Diabète et l’Obésité (PRNDO) 2025-2028, a comprehensive program officially launched on February 12, 2026, by the Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS) La Réunion and its partners. The PRNDO represents a collaborative effort, co-constructed with local stakeholders, to address the complex factors contributing to poor nutrition and the increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity within the population. The initiative recognizes that effective intervention requires a holistic approach, involving healthcare professionals, community organizations, and, crucially, the patients themselves.
Understanding the Scope of the Problem in Réunion
Diabetes and obesity represent a growing public health crisis globally, and Réunion is no exception. Although specific prevalence rates weren’t detailed in the provided sources, the launch of the PRNDO and the establishment of the “Village du Diabète” underscore the urgency of the situation. The program aims to tackle the issue head-on, recognizing the significant impact these conditions have on individual well-being and the broader healthcare system. The focus on “patients-partenaires” – patient-partners – highlights a shift towards shared decision-making and empowering individuals to take control of their health.
The PRNDO 2025-2028 builds upon the work of the previous Programme Réunionnais Nutrition Diabète (PRND) 2020-2023, with the ARS having assessed the results of the previous program in September 2025 to inform the new strategy. Capital FM reported that the new program represents a strengthening of efforts to combat these conditions. The program’s launch, as reported by Clicanoo, is being described as a “plan d’attaque” – an aggressive strategy – against diabetes and obesity in Réunion.
The “Village du Diabète”: A Patient-Centered Approach
The “Village du Diabète” serves as a central hub for information, support, and education for individuals living with diabetes and those at risk of developing the condition. The concept of “patients-partenaires” is central to its operation. This approach moves away from a traditional doctor-patient dynamic, instead fostering a collaborative relationship where patients are actively involved in managing their own health. The initiative aims to provide a space where individuals can learn about diabetes, share experiences, and access resources to support their lifestyle changes.
While details about the specific activities offered at the “Village du Diabète” are limited in the provided sources, the concept suggests a range of services, potentially including nutritional counseling, cooking demonstrations, exercise classes, and peer support groups. The location at Nordev in Saint-Denis makes the program accessible to a significant portion of the population. Imaz Press reported that the village was open for two days to facilitate engagement and information sharing.
Key Stakeholders and Collaborative Efforts
The success of the PRNDO and the “Village du Diabète” hinges on the collaboration of numerous stakeholders. The ARS La Réunion is leading the charge, but the program involves a wide range of partners, including representatives from the sub-prefecture, regional government, municipal councils, healthcare providers (such as the CGSS), academic institutions, and patient advocacy groups like France Assos Santé. The involvement of Dr. Estelle Nobecourt-Dupuy, a professor of nutrition and endocrinology at the CHU, as a representative of the PRNDO expert committee, highlights the program’s commitment to evidence-based practices.
The launch event on February 12, 2026, brought together key figures, including Jean-Jacques Coiplet, Director General of the ARS La Réunion, Frédéric Sautron, Sub-prefect in charge of social cohesion and youth, and Sophie Audifax, representative of the AMDR (Association of Diabetic Patients). This broad representation underscores the shared commitment to addressing the challenges of diabetes and obesity in Réunion. The participation of representatives from the education sector (Vincent Hoareau, DRAJES) and the sports sector further emphasizes the importance of a multi-faceted approach that promotes healthy lifestyles from a young age.
The PRNDO 2025-2028: A Regional Strategy
The PRNDO 2025-2028 is a four-year program designed to systematically address the factors contributing to poor nutrition and the rising rates of diabetes, and obesity. While the specific details of the program’s initiatives were not fully outlined in the provided sources, it encompasses a wide range of interventions, from public awareness campaigns to healthcare provider training and community-based programs like the “Village du Diabète”. The program’s focus on reducing health inequalities suggests a commitment to ensuring that all residents of Réunion have access to the resources and support they need to live healthy lives.
Looking Ahead: Continued Mobilization and Evaluation
The launch of the PRNDO and the “Village du Diabète” represent a significant step forward in the fight against diabetes and obesity in Réunion. Yet, sustained effort and ongoing evaluation will be crucial to achieving lasting success. As Le Quotidien de La Réunion noted, there is a sense of “general mobilization” surrounding this issue. The ARS La Réunion will likely continue to monitor key indicators, such as diabetes prevalence rates and obesity levels, to assess the program’s impact and make adjustments as needed.
The next key checkpoint for this initiative will be the ongoing evaluation of the PRNDO’s implementation and the continued operation of the “Village du Diabète” as a resource for the community. Readers interested in learning more about the PRNDO can find additional information on the ARS La Réunion website. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences regarding diabetes prevention and management in the comments below.
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