Impact at scale: WDF’s second Impact Report

As Managing Director of the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), I am proud to present our second Impact Report. It offers not only a reflection on what we have achieved, but also on the people, partnerships, and programmes that continue to drive our work forward. 

Over the years, we have consistently asked ourselves what meaningful change really looks like in the context of diabetes and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries. For us, it is about improving access to care where it is most needed, supporting countries in addressing pressing gaps, and ensuring that people living with diabetes are not left behind - regardless of where they live or the circumstances they face. 

WDF has evolved a lot since its early days. What began as a foundation supporting smaller, targeted initiatives has grown into a partner contributing to large-scale national programmes and global advocacy efforts. Today, our work reaches more than 23 million people in vulnerable settings, and we have supported the training of more than 690,000 healthcare providers across 121 countries. These numbers are important, but they are only part of the story.

What truly stands out to me are the examples of progress and commitment behind these figures. In this report, we highlight two areas that I believe capture both the diversity of our work and the priorities that continue to guide us. 

The first story is one of great importance to us: our two-decade journey to improve access to care for people living with type 1 diabetes in Africa. For children and young people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, access to insulin, supplies, and quality care is not optional, it is lifesaving. Too many still face delayed diagnosis, interrupted treatment, or no access at all. Over the years, we have worked alongside partners to move from fragmented, short-term support to more comprehensive approaches that strengthen national systems and build lasting capacity. This progress has required persistence and partnership, and while much remains to be done, it is an area where we are seeing tangible and deeply meaningful impact. 

The second is our engagement in humanitarian settings, illustrated through our long-standing collaboration with dedicated partners in Jordan. In contexts marked by displacement and constrained resources, NCDs are too often overlooked. Yet the need is significant and growing. The work in Jordan shows that it is possible to integrate diabetes and NCD care into primary health services in ways that reach both refugees and host communities. It reflects years of collaboration with committed partners and a shared determination to ensure continuity of care for people living in some of the most challenging circumstances.

Across both of these stories - and indeed across our broader portfolio - a common lesson emerges: change does not happen overnight. It is built through long-term engagement, trust, and a willingness to adapt to complex realities. It depends on strong partnerships with governments, civil society, and communities, and on keeping the needs of people living with diabetes at the centre of our work. 

As you read this report, I encourage you to look beyond the individual results and consider the journeys they represent. Each example reflects years of collaboration, learning, and commitment from many different actors working toward a shared goal.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all our partners for their continued collaboration and dedication. It is through these partnerships that we are able to contribute to improving prevention and care for diabetes and related NCDs in meaningful ways. 

There is still much to be done. But I remain encouraged by the progress we are seeing, and proud of the role that WDF and our partners are playing in making a difference.