YES alumnus from Gaza, Omar Al-Rabi (YES 2012-2013, hosted by PAX in San Luis Obispo, CA) with IFMSA students at Gaza Sports club.

Diabetes is a major health concern all over the world, and YES alumni in Gaza are doing their part to help fight it. On November 14. 2015 they planned local events, including free diabetes screenings for the public and a play day for children with diabetes, to celebrate World Diabetes Day. In partnership with the International Federation for Medical Students Association (IFMSA) at the medical school at Al Azhar University, 15 YES alumni took part in the three phases of this project.

First, on November 16th, YES alumni learned about the causes and consequences of diabetes and then used that knowledge to conduct public screenings. IFMSA student Mohammed Abu Zaanona (YES 2007-2008, hosted by the Aspect Foundation in Muncie, IN) gave a lecture to teach the participants about the pathophysiology, manifestations, and treatment of diabetes, as well as the test used to diagnose the disease. Participants were also trained to perform the diagnostic test for diabetes using special devices and testing strips. Moreover, alumni were given a comprehensive book about diabetes prepared and designed by IFMSA.

Enas Sabbah (YES 2014-2015, hosted by AYA in Florence, SC) and Marah Almalak (YES 2014-2015, hosted by CIEE in Kansas City, MO) distributing brochures and performing blood tests to the public

Mohammed Zaqout (YES 2010-2011, hosted by AYUSA in Leveen, AZ) getting his blood sugar tested.

Then, three days later, these newly trained YES alumni went to Gaza Sports Club and Roots Restaurant and performed free public screening tests for diabetes. Alumni screened about 150 people for the disease, with the assistance of IFMSA members. Alumni talked to people about the significance of performing such screening tests to decrease the consequences of diabetes by catching and controlling the disease early on.

Activity leader, Anas Ismail (YES 2010-2011, hosted by CCI in Bozeman, MT) before the start of the blood sugar testing at Roots hotel 

Finally, on December 8th, these same YES alumni organized a day of fun and play at the Red Crescent Society. In cooperation with IFMSA, YES alumni spent the day with 55 children registered at the Haifa Society for Diabetic Children. Activities included dancing, face painting, drawing, singing, and playing games. The children even came away with some small party favors from the event.