Q4-09

From words to action in 2009

We have long been pleading that diabetes and non-communicable diseases ought to be mentioned in the Millennium Development Goals. Since the Foundation's first project we have gradually been providing arguments and evidence that the rising burden of diabetes is becoming a development issue. In 2009, we have taken the words and the evidence to the next level by creating some important alliances to help address health issues relevant for reaching the Millennium Development Goals.

In 2009, we have worked diligently to highlight the link between diabetes and tuberculosis. Addressing the prevention and control of diabetes is deemed to be important to the control of tuberculosis - especially in countries with a high dual burden of both diseases. As you will read in this Newsletter, in collaboration with the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease and the WHO Stop TB Department we have facilitated the development of a set of recommendations based on an expert meeting held in Paris in November. We hope that this will pave the way for a policy document to address this important issue.

Other collaborative actions in 2009 - not included in this Newsletter - include continued focus on maternal nutrition and metabolic health as well as on access to care for children with type 1 diabetes in some of the world's poorest countries. Through these initiatives we are helping address several of the Millennium Development Goals.

At country level, we zoom in on the gradual building up of diabetes care in Sudan. The World Diabetes Foundation initiated support in 2004 and along the way, this has resulted in substantial actions and strong commitment and collaboration between the local partners facilitated by the Foundation. We also bring a portrait of one of the people on the ground, Professor Mohammed Eltom, whose insight, devotion and diplomacy has helped bridge diabetes efforts in his country.

As per tradition, in this last Newsletter of 2009 we look back at the Global Diabetes Walk conducted on World Diabetes Day, 14 November. Another broken record of more than 300,000 participants speaks its own clear language: People are becoming increasingly aware of the need for action to improve their own and public health.

While we look back at 2009 as a constructive year where important alliances were built, unfortunately, natural disasters caused destruction for the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people - some in Indonesia and most recently in Haiti as we finalised this Newsletter. In the final article, we therefore take a look at the scenario for the chronically ill amidst immediate chaos and relief work.

Let me take this opportunity to wish all our readers a belated Happy New Year with the hope that we will continue to receive your goodwill and support to our work in 2010!

Dr. Anil Kapur
Managing Director
World Diabetes Foundation

From assumption to evidence

While diabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing tuberculosis, strategies for cost-effective combined care are lacking. An important first step to pave the way was taken in Paris last November. 

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Sudan country review 

The challenges and barriers are many when supporting projects in Sudan. Nevertheless, the World Diabetes Foundation commenced support in 2004 and due to an overwhelmingly positive experience the support has been extended to eight projects to date.

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Portrait of a tireless advocate

He almost gave up working with diabetes because of lack of resources. But since the 1990's, the number of diabetologists have grown from 4 to 40 and general progress has been made. Professor Mohammed Eltom tells about the steady work with diabetes in Sudan.

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A Walk for change

The Global Diabetes Walk 2009 is over. 305,479 participants from 52 countries set another record and collectively showed their concern about public health. See the beautiful snapshots from the walks worldwide.

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When the earth trembles

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