The battle against diabetes continues across the world and in the WHO South-East Asia Region. Globally, more than 420 million adults live with diabetes, of which more than 96 million are in the Region. The global burden is expected to rise to 578 million by 2030 and 700 million by 2045, due primarily to increases in low- and middle-income countries, where health systems too often lack the capacity to diagnose and manage diabetes. Undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes can result in avoidable blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and lower limb amputation, causing long-standing medical and non-medical costs for patients, caregivers, families and communities. WHO will continue to support countries in the Region to strengthen health systems to prevent, diagnose and manage diabetes, with a focus on increasing access to medicines and empowering primary health workers and nurses – the theme of this year’s World Diabetes Day.
Countries in the Region have in recent years implemented a series of high-impact “best buys” aimed at addressing diabetes, in line with the Region’s Flagship Priorities on preventing and controlling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and achieving universal health coverage. All countries have implemented multisectoral NCD action plans that include evidence-based strategies to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce obesity, a key risk factor for diabetes. All countries are reorienting primary health services based on WHO’s Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions and continue to integrate new WHO guidance on type 2 diabetes diagnosis, classification and management. Across the Region, more people than ever have access to quality-assured, affordable insulin, which is now included in WHO’s global prequalification programme. The quality and reach of health services for NCDs continues to expand, as highlighted by trend data in a WHO progress report released in September, at the Seventy-third Session of the Regional Committee.
We mark this year’s World Diabetes Day as together WHO and its Member States in the Region and world continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. People with diabetes are at increased risk of severe disease if they have COVID-19. Like all people, they must continue to be encouraged to diligently observe personal protective measures such as physical distancing, handwashing and mask wearing. Region-wide, decision-makers must continue to identify innovative ways to overcome remaining barriers to the provision and accessing of essential health services, including for diabetes. Though 49% of all countries surveyed globally have experienced disruptions in diabetes services since the beginning of the outbreak, countries in the Region have for the most part revived and maintained diabetes and other NCD and essential services. To advance progress on the Region’s Flagship Priorities and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target of a one-third reduction in premature mortality from NCDs by 2030, the Region must sustain and accelerate momentum.
In April 2021 WHO will launch its Global Diabetes Compact, which is aimed at supporting countries to implement effective programmes for the prevention and management of diabetes. Across the Region, the Compact will reinforce and build on the strong progress Member States have already made, especially on increasing access to insulin and other diabetes medicines and technologies. It will improve the capacity of primary health workers and nurses to prevent, diagnose and manage diabetes through high-quality training and will enhance their access to appropriate diagnostic and treatment resources. Importantly, the Compact will promote action across sectors, reflecting the holistic approach of Member States’ multisectoral NCD action plans. Everyone can – and must – play a role in reducing the prevalence and impact of diabetes. It is up to all of us to act.
On World Diabetes Day, WHO reiterates its commitment to strengthen the capacity of Member States in the Region to prevent, diagnose and manage diabetes. Countries have in recent years made strong progress in implementing evidence-based policies to achieve these outcomes, with a focus on action at the primary level, where most people’s health needs should be met. The Region’s momentum against NCDs generally, and diabetes specifically, must continue to build throughout the pandemic response, recovery and beyond. Together we can achieve a Region in which the prevalence and impact of diabetes is reduced, and in which health, well-being and sustainable social and economic development is advanced for all people, of all ages, everywhere.