Q2-08
	Bringing Diabetes higher on the global agenda In many developing countries, the burden of diabetes care threatens to undermine the benefits of improving standards of living, education and economic growth. Each year, some 3.8 million adults die from diabetes-related causes. Seven out of the ten countries with the highest number of people with diabetes are already in the developing world. Within the next 20 years, the largest increases will take place in the regions dominated by developing economies if preventive measures are not taken. These countries will have to bear the brunt of the diabetes burden. Often, policy makers, donors and the media are not aware of the public health challenge at their door. The burden is particularly harsh in low- and middle-income countries, and more so on the vulnerable sections of society such as women and children. Women in particular have limited access to health care facilities because of illiteracy, ignorance and negative social costumes. If the high mortality and heavy burden of disease experienced by low- and middle-income countries are to be tackled comprehensively, global development initiatives must take into account the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and diabetes in particular. Instruments such as the Millennium Development Goals and the recently adopted United Nations resolution on diabetes provide opportunities for synergy, as do mechanisms that harmonize development aid and strategies for poverty alleviation. The World Diabetes Foundation along with other stakeholders continues to focus attention on issues that are so real to the disadvantaged sections of society in the low resource economies and seeks to find common grounds for advocacy and action.   In this edition of our quarterly newsletter we share stories that demonstrate our joint efforts to bring diabetes higher on the global agenda and to include tangible actions, public awareness initiatives, media relations, advocacy and lobbying efforts in order to secure a better future for people living with diabetes and with special attention on women and children.
	Helping children in Sudan With armed conflicts and chronic instability, a growing number of refugees, and poor infrastructure, the conditions for improving care for diabetes in Sudan could not be more challenging. Nonetheless, a dedicated group of health care professionals have set out to overcome those obstacles and provide care for poor and disadvantaged children. Read more
	Images speak louder than words At the World Media Festival held in Berlin, 2008 the joint WDF and NNIT FilmSolutions production, “Praying for a future”, received international recognition and was presented with two awards.  Read more
	Expert meeting at the UN demands action now Leading global health experts, UN agencies and Permanent Missions convened at the UN headquarters to take part in a expert meeting organised by the Global Alliance for Women’s Health (GAWH) and the World Diabetes Foundation. Read more
	WDF receives international accolades! The World Diabetes Foundation and the assigned agency Biosector 2 was announced winners of the Communiqué Award in the category; Best International Media Relations campaign in connection with the Diabetes Press Summit in Africa, 2007. A highly prestigious award in a competitive category. Read more
	Taking Action in Philippines In 2007, the World Diabetes Foundation, and Novo Nordisk A/S decided to initiate the Take Action volunteer trips where communication staff from Novo Nordisk and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Youth Ambassadors report from WDF-supported projects in the developing countries. Ms. Sara Jensen who is an employee from Novo Nordisk Sweden reports from her recent visit to the Philippines. Read more