The sponsorship, lasting two years, was ratified at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics (NCDEG) on Sunday. Dr Salah Mawajdeh, Hikma's Vice President of Regulatory and Medical affairs, and Professor Kamel Ajlouni, President of the NCDEG and Head of the National Strategic Committee for Chronic Diseases, signed the agreement, reinforcing Hikma's position as a pioneer in advancing societal health in Jordan. Specialist doctors from the NCDEG and members of Hikma's Cardiovascular and Diabetes teams were also in attendance.

Established by the Ministry of Health, the National Strategic Committee for Chronic Diseases is mandated to steer public action in combating some of the most serious chronic illnesses affecting Jordan. Its 2012 campaign covers a variety of areas, focusing on religious institutions, youth education, the media, local municipalities and government ministries, all with the aim of lowering the rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity in Jordan.

Commenting on the sponsorship agreement, Dr Mawajdeh said: "Hikma is privileged to offer our support to this vital national campaign. We remain committed to doing all we can to educate the public about healthy living and so improve the overall wellbeing of society. The work of the National Strategic Committee for Chronic Diseases is essential to this goal, as they strive towards a future free from chronic diseases in Jordan."

Professor Kamel Ajlouni added to this, saying: "The task ahead is challenging but extremely important for Jordan. Hikma has consistently shown support for national-level programs like this, and we would like to thank them for enabling us to implement crucial educational strategies."

Hikma has provided direct sponsorship for the educational dimension of the national strategy. This will include extensive awareness programs for schools across the country, targeting students, teachers and administrators and highlighting how these chronic diseases can be prevented. Through direct contact such as lectures and seminars, as well as supporting work, informative flyers and technical assistance, the National Strategic Committee for Chronic Diseases will raise awareness among this important target audience. Another aspect of the campaign involves assisting nutritionists appointed by the Ministry of Health to elevate schoolchildren's dietary health. School health authorities will be empowered to develop comprehensive independent strategies for improving the overall mental, physical and nutritional wellbeing of students in Jordan.