WDF Annual Review 2005

Africa is the main focus of this annual report and in this years edition you will be introduced to some of the many important projects that WDF supports on the African continent. It is estimated that 13.6 million people suffer from diabetes in Africa. This number is expected to almost double in the next 25 years. The African countries carry a double disease burden with infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. What is even more disturbing is the fact that HIV/AIDS and diabetes are proving to have connections hitherto not widely known. However, the commitment and engagement of the foundation is just as great and comprehensive in the rest of the developing world. Showing the burden of diabetes This year’s annual report also contains a wealth of information on both the activities of the Foundation and on the problem of diabetes in general. You will also be introduced for some of the devastating consequences and suffering caused by diabetes and the socio and economic aspect of the disease through our moving patient stories in the developing countries. Through our project partners and patient stories the Foundation is able to show the true essence of the burden of the disease, risk factors and communicate our vision. The stories also indicate issues that need to be addressed by stakeholders working to promote healthy living and prevention of diabetes at all levels. The WDF believes that cultural adaptation and local partnerships based on existing social structures is the key to sustainability and success. This in particular highlights our code of conduct and in this years annual report you will be introduced to stories and project descriptions that emphasize the need for cultural adaptation and showing the diversity of our commitment in projects covering Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Andean region in South America. The WDF future vision As a part of the WDF future vision the board of the directors have decided to focus and introduce a fifth focus area: The Coming Generation. Based on extensive evaluation of ongoing projects the Foundation realised the existing focus areas did not deal sufficiently with the urgent need to focus on primary prevention of diabetes. “In focusing on The Coming Generation, the WDF will promote and include primordial prevention (prevention in a population with no risk at the moment) in some of its projects and by addressing children, youngsters and adults who have not yet developed risk factors for diabetes and inform them about the risk factors and a healthier lifestyle.” Says Dr Anil Kapur, Managing Director WDF. The Foundation considers the fifth focus area to be of vital importance for the prevention of diabetes in the developing countries. As usual the stories and articles are illustrated with the remarkable pictures taken by Photographer Jesper Westley from our projects around the world. Download Annual Review 2005