‘The greatest currency the World Diabetes Foundation has is the trust.’

Dr Anil Kapur has been one of the driving forces behind the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) since its creation in 2002. Initially serving on the board, then as managing director until he became chairman in 2015 and continues to lead with vision and dedication. As he reflects, ‘I’ve been involved since the time WDF was conceived and born to when now it’s an adult standing on its own feet.’ His unwavering commitment to equitable care and grassroots engagement has been instrumental in shaping WDF’s global mission.

Swimming Against the Current

Dr Kapur recalls that the foundation’s early years were marked by resistance and scepticism. At the time, global health priorities, shaped by the Millennium Development Goals, were dominated by infectious diseases and maternal health, leaving non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes largely overlooked. As the managing director during the Foundation’s early years, ‘We were swimming upstream,’ Dr Kapur admits. Despite these hurdles, WDF positioned itself not just as a funder but as a catalyst for change.

In its formative years, WDF focused on building trust and credibility, setting up pilot projects and raising awareness about the foundation to attract grant applications. Infrastructure challenges in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) were acute, with many countries lacking space to set up basic clinical services.

In Tanzania, this led to a creative solution: converting shipping containers into fully functional diabetes clinics. From a modest pop-up clinic in Dar es Salaam, the initiative evolved into a nationwide NCD programme endorsed and run by the Tanzanian government. The model was later replicated in other countries, demonstrating how adaptable, low-cost solutions could strengthen primary healthcare systems and improve access to care.

The container clinics were part of a broader strategy to bring attention to neglected areas of diabetes care.

Dr Kapur explains that the focus on foot ulcers and the related risks of infection and amputations was chosen because these issues, stemming from poor diabetes management, were both highly visible and easily managed and had significant social, economic, and health impacts. Poor management of diabetes frequently leads to these complications, causing serious harm to individuals and communities. Therefore, foot care became a central advocacy point. WDF responded by supporting a structured, step-by-step program that brought together experts from India and Tanzania, and this approach has now been used around the world.

Dr Kapur reflects on his time as Managing Director with deep pride and a sense of fulfilment, describing those years as ‘very busy years, very fruitful years.’

Turning tides

In 2015, the global health landscape shifted with the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), finally recognising NCDs like diabetes as priorities. After years of advocacy to include NCDs in global frameworks, seeing diabetes explicitly referenced in the SDGs was, as Dr Anil Kapur recalls, ‘a shot in the arm’ for the foundation, providing WDF with a unique opportunity to elevate its mission and expand its impact. 

That same year, Dr Anil Kapur was elected as the Chairman of the Board, ushering in a new strategy. WDF refined its approach, moving from piloting grassroots projects to scaling integrated national programmes. ‘We decided to tone down the small pilot projects and focussed on scaling up and replicating successful initiatives,’ Dr Kapur explains, aligning the foundation's approach with the SDG mandate for government-led action on NCDs.

WDF’s strategy crystallised around three pillars: strengthening primary care services, promoting prevention initiatives, and advancing the global NCD agenda. By embedding these pillars into national health initiatives, WDF has been addressing the complex challenges of diabetes and other NCDs in LMICs.

This shot in the arm also encouraged WDF to become a driving force for change within global health. Reinforcing the work to bring care to those who need it the most, WDF embraced digital health solutions and expanded its earlier focus to vulnerable populations, including refugees and indigenous communities, reinforcing its belief that equity and resilience must underpin global health progress.

Trust as the foundation for change

Looking back on a decade as WDF’s chairman of the board, Dr Anil Kapur reflects on the unique culture of camaraderie and shared purpose among its board members and staff. This collaborative spirit, according to Dr Kapur, is one of WDF’s greatest strengths. He notes that WDF staff are not just supervisors or funders; the secretariat understands the local needs and environment and actively engages with partners, offering insights and supporting cross fertilisation of ideas and learning between project partners.

It is through these strong partnerships that WDF strives to build a healthier and more equitable world for all. By adopting a needs-based approach and supporting locally driven solutions, WDF has anchored the responses to the pressing burden of diabetes within the communities. Since 2002, WDF has funded and supported over 600 projects in 120 countries. Dr Kapur acknowledges that, while WDF cannot shoulder the entire burden alone, its strategic interventions have created a ripple effect, drawing in other partners and expanding the reach and impact of diabetes care initiatives.

Over time, through consistent and impactful work, WDF built a reputation for integrity and effectiveness, 'The greatest currency the World Diabetes Foundation has is the trust,’ reflects the WDF chairman of the Board.

Foundations for a healthier future

Looking towards the future, Dr Kapur outlines three areas of focus:

• Pregnancy offers a unique window of opportunity to turn off the tap of NCDs. Integrating NCD care, such as HIP screenings, in maternal care allows for better health outcomes for both mothers and children – building the foundation for healthy futures and communities. As he says, 'prevention for NCD should begin where life begins'.
• The second area of focus would be achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Dr Kapur advocates for health systems that centre on equity, resilience and local solutions, aiming to empower communities and lessen the ongoing impact of disease. His vision builds upon the integration of primary care so communities can access comprehensive and holistic health services over the life course closer to where they live. Although outlined in SDG 3.8, we are off-track to achieving UHC by 2030 – a gap further exacerbated by ongoing cuts to global health funding. Dr Kapur urges us to rethink financing models, highlighting the pioneering role WDF is playing in advancing impact funding and blended finance solutions.
• Digital health solutions are the final piece of the puzzle. Dr Kapur notes that digital tools present a ‘fantastic opportunity’ to reshape lifelong health. Digital health solutions can bring care closer to those in need, empowering individuals and countries alike. He remarks that these innovations can allow for LMICs to reach out to larger populations all while leap frogging and strengthening their health systems. 

Looking back on over 20 years by WDF’s side, Dr Kapur’s point is clear:

‘Preventing and treating diabetes is not expensive. It is not treating it or treating it improperly. That is most expensive.’