National Diabetes Policy and Action
As part of the implementation of UN Resolution 61/225, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) established a Task Force on National Diabetes Policy and Action to promote and support the implementation of national diabetes programmes (NDPs) and strategies globally. The Task Force is made up of representatives from the seven IDF Regions:
- Associate Professor Ruth Colagiuri (Chair) - Western Pacific Region
- Professor Juan Jose Gagliardino - South and Central America Region
- Mr Lex Herrebrugh - Europe Region
- Dr Abdullah Ben Nakhi - Middle East and North Africa Region
- Professor Ambady Ramachandran – South-East Asia Region
- Dr Kaushik Ramaiya - Africa Region
- Professor Gayle Reiber - North America and Caribbean Region
- Dr Gojka Roglic – WHO Geneva
Objectives
- To increase the number of countries actively implementing NDPs by the end of 2009.
- To provide training, models, options and practical support for countries to develop or reinvigorate and implement NDPs over 2008-2009.
Key activities
- Identify the number of countries with current, active diabetes programmes.
- Develop an overarching framework and handbook illustrating considerations, methods and options for developing and implementing NDPs.
- Develop a NDP workshop programme in all IDF Regions, and establish a resource person in each Region to support countries with their NDP effort.
- Assist the development and implementation of NDPs.
- Re-map the status of NDPs to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme.
National Diabetes Programmes global survey
In order to assess the status of existing NDPs a global survey (download the questionnaire) of all member associations of IDF was undertaken in late 2008. The results of the survey have provided both a profile of NDPs globally and important insights into the current status of NDPs in each member country. This is critical in defining needs-based strategies and as a baseline for assessing future progress. Survey results will be published in the 4th edition of Diabetes Atlas, which will be launched at the 20th World Diabetes Congress in Montreal, Canada, 18-22 October 2009.
National Diabetes Programmes Toolbox
An NDP Toolbox is currently being developed. This will build on the 2003 Toolbox and will set out considerations and source material for developing and implementing NDPs. Topics will include measuring the problem (disease prevalence, morbidity and cost), intervening to mitigate the problem (prevention, early diagnosis, services and care of people with diabetes) and evaluating the impact of the interventions.
The 2009 edition is due for release at the 20th World Diabetes Congress in Montreal, Canada, 18-22 October 2009.
National Diabetes Programmes Workshops
A framework for the NDP workshops and a workshop schedule for each of the seven IDF Regions will be developed in 2009. The workshops will address several levels ie leadership and advocacy, mentoring, technical support, and advice to diabetes organisations/associations, whilst raising government awareness and stimulating action on NDPs.
National Diabetes Programmes Standards
As an additional resource for countries to utilise when designing a national diabetes programme, the Task Force is currently considering the development of generic international standards to clarify and promote the inclusion of essential components of diabetes prevention and care internationally.
