From a container clinic in Tanzania to 584 partnerships in 119 countries, we have grown to become a leading global funder of diabetes prevention and care projects in low- and middle-income countries.
Since 2002, we and our partners have worked to change the course of the disease. Join us in celebrating 20 years of improving lives together.
These are some of our most defining moments
Let's revisit WDF’s journey
2002—2009
The WDF board and secretariat
– recognising the enormity of the challenge – seek to place diabetes firmly on the global agenda.
They gather information, gain experience, and begin supporting the first projects.
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Temeke clinic, 2003
Step by Step, 2003
WDF initiates a programme to improve diabetic foot care, launching in India and Tanzania. Since then, the 'Step by Step' model has been widely applied in other countries.
A container donated by Maersk is transformed into a diabetes clinic in Temeke, Tanzania. The successful pilot paves the way for similar clinics in the Philippines, Cambodia, and elsewhere.
2007-2010
Regional summits set the global diabetes agenda
The WDF supports regional gatherings exploring the growing diabetes threat, and ways to address it.
WDF Patron HRH Princess Benedikte, India, 2004
Cambodia fundraiser, 2007
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FUNDRAISERS
LAUNCHED
The first WDF-supported project on diabetic retinopathy is initiated in Tamil Nadu, India. The project aims to strengthen the awareness of diabetes complications and improve diabetic eye care.
School health programme, India, 2007
PRIMARY PREVENTION
A new fundraising programme begins, allowing donors to directly support pilots and small-scale projects.
The first WDF-supported school health promotion project begins in India. The students learn about diabetes and healthy lifestyles, and act as ambassadors by sharing their knowledge.
Diabetes Action Now, 2004
Global Diabetes Walk, India, 2009
WALK FOR
CHANGE
WDF launches the Global Diabetes Walk campaign in support of World Diabetes Day. It becomes an annual event, reaching the 1 million participant milestone in 2017.
WDF supports Diabetes Action Now, the IDF Diabetes Atlas and other diabetes awareness raising efforts. UN Resolution 61/225 establishing World Diabetes Day is a key outcome.
2010—2015
EXPANSION & NETWORKING
WDF expands to new focus areas, its portfolio of projects grows, and strong long-term partnerships are established.
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Child with type 1 diabetes, 2012
Expert Meeting on Indigenous People, 2012
WDF supports projects targeting indigenous populations and with IDF co-hosts the first Expert Meeting on Indigenous Peoples, Diabetes and Development. Other advocacy efforts follow.
WDF initiates its own projects focused on type 1 diabetes, and also supports initiatives led by Novo Nordisk to provide care for this highly vulnerable population.
2016
Town-by-town: diabetes screening in Kenya
WDF's partners are rooted in local communities globally. Screening and awareness are crucial to turn the tide on the rising prevalence of diabetes.
Woman in healthy pregnancy project, Colombia, 2013
WDF supports healthy pregnancy projects and partners with the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and others to raise awareness about hyperglycaemia in pregnancy.
TB-Diabetes film 'The Perfect Storm', 2015-16
WDF supports TB-diabetes projects and joins advocacy efforts led by WHO and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. A collaborative framework for care, practical guidance for health workers, a call to action and a film are produced.
2016—2019
The planted seeds begin to bear fruit and the results of WDF projects are increasingly evident. The WDF embraces its role as an agent of change.
Kenyan minister at diabetes screening, 2016
DIABETES, A STRATEGIC PRIORITY
Refugee child, 2017
DIABETES IN HUMANITARIAN CRISES
WDF increases its work with refugees and internally displaced populations. Learnings from WDF's long-term partnership with UNRWA to prevent and treat diabetes among Palestinian refugees are key.
With WDF support, Kenya is the first African country to finalise the first phase of a national diabetes programme. WDF helps Tanzania, Malawi, Mali, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Palestine, Argentina and others launch national diabetes and NCD programmes.