WDF Annual Review 2006

In 2006, the World Diabetes Foundation heightened its focus on Latin America and now supports 12 diverse projects in South and Central America, aiming to alleviate the diabetes epidemic by strengthening primary prevention in the region. Many of these projects are described in the annual review 2006.

The South and Central American Region encompass 22 countries and territories, most of which are low- and middle-income countries with emerging economies. It is estimated that 16.2 million people or 6.0% of the adult population have diabetes. By 2025, the number of people with diabetes will have more than doubled to 32.7 million.

Compared to other parts of the developing world, South and Central America is traditionally not considered to be a major hot spot for diabetes and other chronic diseases. However, with economic transition, globalisation and the accompanying changes in living standards, the prevalence of diabetes is steadily rising in the region and the social and economic impact of diabetes is becoming evident.

A strenghtened focus on Latin America

In an effort to combat and improve control of diabetes in South and Central America, the World Diabetes Foundation has initiated a number diverse projects aimed not only to provide access to professional care of diabetes but to also leverage the countries’ health care systems to proactively address the issues around prevention.

One of WDF´s most significant project partnerships is the collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which is the Regional office of the World Health Organization. Currently, the WDF is supporting the development of an integrated chronic disease management model in partnership with PAHO in response to tackle the diabetes epidemic.

In the annual review 2006 you can read more about the project model mentioned above which involves the four Central American countries, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua through their respective Ministries of Health, national diabetes associations and scientific societies. Furthermore, we have chosen to include articles spanning from China, Bangladesh, WDF Summit in Hanoi and the Global Diabetes Walk 2006, which demonstrate the WDFs capacity to mobilize global efforts on advocacy and awareness of diabetes.

To live with diabetes - providing a human angle

This year’s annual review contains a wealth of relevant information and photo documentaries visualizing the global, regional and local activities supported through the Foundations implementing partners, and provides an interesting overview of the future challenges posed by diabetes in general.

You will also be introduced to some of the devastating consequences and suffering caused by diabetes. The social and economic aspects of the disease become quite evident through our moving patient stories, which this year covers personal stories from Bolivia and the distant Andes Mountain in Peru.

“Displaying these stories is only possible because of the desire of people wanting to share their stories without hesitation and having the courage to share their personal tragedies to enable the world to understand the devastating consequences of ignorance and inaction.

In all humility, the World Diabetes Foundation makes an effort to bring these emotional stories in this annual review and we are grateful for their friendship and trust” says Jamal Butt, WDF Communication Manager.

15 year old Rumas painting of how she experiences having diabetes

Diabetes seen through the eyes of children

As a special feature this year, the WDF secretariat has chosen to introduce paintings from children living in Bangladesh, displayed as postcards. Most of these children come from impoverished backgrounds and several of them do not even attend schools.  But the stories they were able to convey through their paintings clearly demonstrates the impact diabetes has on their lives.

We encourage you to read and learn more by downloading the WDF Annual Review 2006.