2025 in review: Global momentum for change

From launching new partnerships and driving the global non-communicable diseases (NCD) agenda, to empowering those living with diabetes, 2025 was defined by collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improve health outcomes around the globe. 

As this year comes to an end, we are proud to have 88 active projects around the world. We have also signed over 15 new projects for 2025, and we welcomed seven new colleagues to our diverse team, adding to our expertise and teamwork.

This 2025 review celebrates our shared accomplishments, showcasing the milestones, stories, and collective efforts that defined a year dedicated to advancing equity in diabetes care and prevention across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

January

We began 2025 with the announcement of our 2025 fundraiser in Uzbekistan, in partnership with UMID Charity. By enhancing care and providing training for schools and parents, and summer camps, we’re supporting children living with type 1 diabetes, not only manage their condition but also find community.

In Kenya, we witnessed the transformative power of a public-private partnership involving Novo Nordisk, Roche, and the World Diabetes Foundation. Visiting clinics and meeting families, we saw how training healthcare workers and expanding access has led to fewer hospital admissions and lower mortality. Yet, the journey continues as ten counties still need support to ensure every child receives equitable care.

February

In February over 100 experts convened in Copenhagen for the international meeting, “Type 1 Diabetes: Advancing a Global Road Map for Improved and Integrated Care in Low-Resource Settings.” The discussions echoed a shared belief: diabetes care must be inclusive, integrated, and centred on the patient.

Later, at the Global NCD Alliance Forum in Kigali, the first ever held in Africa, our colleagues led a side event on civil society’s role in national NCD programmes. Five journalists, trained through WDF support, amplified these vital conversations, ensuring that the voices of those affected were heard across the region.

In Rwanda, digital health and education camps empowered 300 young people with T1D. The launch of an electronic medical record system, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, has improved clinical processes and patient outcomes. As research shows, data-driven management is paving the way for sustainable change.

When war halted activities in Lebanon, GAME Playmakers improvised running sessions in shelters and reconnecting at a February camp for 150 youth and 170 Playmakers were trained through the 2023 fundraiser. Despite conflict and displacement, outreach reached 75,000 people, promoting health and hope. Today, GAME rebuilds spaces and provides psychosocial support, proving sport is more than play: it’s survival.

March

In March, WDF, alongside the Agence Française de Développement and Santé Diabète, co-hosted a scientific day on the sidelines of the Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris. The session, on malnutrition, obesity, and food-related NCDs; underscored the critical role of evidence-based policies, along with comprehensive systemic and multisectoral strategies. These approaches extend beyond food access and healthcare to effectively address the increasing triple burden of undernutrition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies.

April

At the International Diabetes Federation Congress in Bangkok, we joined over 6,300 participants from 160+ countries. Our side event, “The time is now: improving access to diabetes care in a strengthened global policy framework,” brought together voices from every corner of the globe. Dr Anil Kapur’s words resonated: “Not treating diabetes is very expensive”, a stark reminder of the urgency behind our work.

In Sierra Leone, stories like Hawa’s and Adama’s highlight the challenges and triumphs of maternal health. With WDF’s support, local partners introduced screening for gestational diabetes, trained healthcare workers, and established NCD clinics, reaching over 70,000 people. By linking diabetes and hypertension management with maternal health, we’re building a sustainable model for mothers and children nationwide.

May

In May, our team participated in a UN multi-stakeholder hearing in New York, emphasising the need to implement proven solutions and ensure no one is left behind ahead of the Fourth High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health. At the World Health Assembly, our flagship side event with the International Diabetes Federation brought together WHO experts and leaders from Kenya, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka to discuss advancing digital health for NCDs. Joining the Global Initiative on Digital Health further reaffirmed our commitment to innovative solutions.

We also co-hosted a two-day conference in Amman with regional partners, followed by a visit to peer clubs and teacher training programmes educating children with type 1 diabetes, and observed diabetic foot care practices at UNRWA camps. These activities emphasized the importance of reaching vulnerable groups to strengthen health systems.

At the EADSG Congress in Kampala, we joined experts to discuss diabetes care in resource-limited settings, precision management, and key initiatives. The NCD Alliance East Africa also honoured trained journalists with the NCD Advocacy Awards, for their work to strengthen media and community engagement in advocating for diabetes and other NCDs.

June

The DHIS2 Annual Conference in Oslo buzzed with ideas and collaboration. One inspiring session showed how open platforms can break silos and strengthen health systems, proof that when technology meets purpose, lives change.

In Malawi and Tanzania, the Diabetes Compass initiative has empowered healthcare professionals with digital learning tools, workshops, and flexible apps, improving early diagnosis and care in low-resource settings.

Accompanied by a delegation from Novo Nordisk and Team Novo Nordisk, we visited the 2024 fundraiser in Georgia. The initiative, dedicated to providing comprehensive diabetes education and care for children with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers, has been extended through July 2026 following an increase in funding. This extension will support two additional camps, further enhancing the programme’s reach and effectiveness.

August

We signed a new partnership with the HISP Centre at the University of Oslo that will strengthen digital health tools for NCDs in low- and middle-income countries. By enhancing routine health information systems, ministries have better access to robust data systems, driving better health outcomes. We also signed an agreement with the World Bank, aiming to mobilize increased NCD financing in low- and middle-income countries.

The Partner2Partner Academy webinar, “Hyperglycaemia in Pregnancy in Latin America,” shared stories of successful implementation of gestational diabetes care and strengthening of health systems in the region. From community workshops in Colombia to digital platforms in Argentina, the power of education and collaboration shone through. As Dr Silvia G. de Lapertosa said, “Diabetes education saves lives.”

September

September was pivotal for NCDs as our colleagues attended the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, joining over 50 meetings and co-hosting four events, culminating in the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health. Integration of primary health care was a central theme, with inspiring stories from Tanzania, India, and Kenya. These examples show that systems change is possible when communities, governments, and global actors work together. WDF is proud to have contributed to the launch of a policy brief, setting a new standard for maternal health and NCD integration.

October

At the Global Impact Investing Network Forum, our Diabetes Investment Accelerator team joined over 1,200 changemakers. The key takeaway: impact investment is about more than funding, it’s about partnerships, innovation, and hope.

We also joined the School Meals Coalition, reaffirming our commitment to early diabetes prevention. From classrooms in bustling cities to rural schools, we support this initiative bringing healthy food to children, shaping brighter futures and healthier generations worldwide.

November

World Diabetes Day, 14th November, marked the theme “Diabetes and the Workplace.” To mark the day, we shared stories from around the globe, exploring how diabetes intersects with informal employment, gender, and community resilience.

Every World Diabetes Day, we join thousands across the globe to Walk for change. This year, the Global Diabetes Walk brought together over 145,000 people across 59 countries, united to raise awareness about diabetes.

Through ImpactBridge, and in partnership with the Philips Foundation and We Share Forward Foundation, we’re enabling social enterprises that advance diabetes and NCD care in vulnerable communities.

We ended the month by attending Kenya’s first National NCD conference, which brought together leaders, policymakers, and communities, signalling readiness to scale up efforts and deliver access to diagnosis, care, and prevention.

December

Closing the year, we attended the Global Digital Health Forum, held in Nairobi Kenya. There, we brought experts together in a plenary session co-hosted with the World Bank, to address digital health gaps for NCDs, share insights from Malawi and Kenya, and co-create a roadmap for integrated care.

As we close the chapter on 2025, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners, supporters, project participants, and colleagues for making this year remarkable. Together, we have taken meaningful steps towards improving equity in diabetes care and prevention, and we are excited to build on this momentum in 2026!

The World Diabetes Foundation team