On November 14, on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, we organised an event at the European Parliament hosted by MEP András Kulja and supported by VP Christel Schaldemose, titled “Re-thinking health in the EU for a Sustainable Future”.
Opening the event, President Roberta Metsola delivered an inspiring keynote address with a powerful call to action “We have the resources to turn the tide on diabetes. We now also need political will.”
The event, moderated by IDF Europe Director, Policy & Strategy, Sabine Dupont, gathered key stakeholders to discuss how the EU can support health system transformation and improve the lives of people living with diabetes (PwD) and other NCDs.
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes advocates, Anamarija Runtić and Erik Werson shared their personal experiences of living with diabetes and highlighted the need for more integrated and personalised care, and better access to self-management technologies and education.
In the first panel discussion, Dr. Valerie Luyckx, European Kidney Health Alliance (EKHA) President-Elect, Dr. Luk Buyse, Diabetes Liga President, and Dr. Sufyan Hussain, IDF Europe Board Member, explored future perspectives in diabetes prevention and care. They highlighted the need to overcome fragmentation within health systems and improve access to person-centred care. They also emphasised the role of regular screening to prevent or slow down the progression of complications, and reduce healthcare costs.
The second panel featured Mr. Chris Delicata, IDF Europe Advisor and President of the Maltese Diabetes Association, VP Schaldemose and Dr. Hussain who discussed the EU’s role in driving health system transformation. They highlighted the importance of supporting Member States in meeting global health goals and reducing inequalities in access to care across countries. Advancing research and innovation, and leveraging digital tools were identified as key steps to improve health systems’ efficiency.
Mr. Delicata introduced IDF Europe, highlighting its priorities and collaborative efforts with the diabetes community and the MEPs Mobilising for Diabetes Interest Group (MMD) to drive impactful policy changes and improve outcomes for PwD.
A key highlight was the awarding of the very first IDF Europe Advocate Prize by Ludovica Florenzano, External Engagement Manager at Lilly Diabetes, to Diabetes Advocate, Lea Leleta, celebrating her outstanding and innovative advocacy work for the diabetes community. We wish to thank Eli Lilly and Company for supporting this initiative.
We would like to thank everyone who joined us and all who helped make this event a success. A heartfelt thank you goes to MEP András Kulja for hosting the event, VP Christel Schaldemose for her invaluable support and President Roberta Metsola for her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of PwD. Their dedication to the diabetes community is truly inspiring, driving real change toward a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Universal access to diabetes care urgently needed in Europe, but political will is lacking
Following the event, Euractiv published an interview featuring Mr. Delicata, alongside Dr. Hussain.
“The most important objective is to keep PwD at the centre of everything we do,” said Mr. Delicata, underscoring the importance of placing people at the heart of health policies and initiatives to ensure equitable access to care, better outcomes and effective prevention strategies.
