On 6 August, the International Prevention Summit 2026 will bring together governments, faith leaders, health professionals, researchers and international organisations to advance community-based approaches to prevent type 2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
Hosted by the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS) and the Centre for Global Health Research, with the patronage of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the support of the International Diabetes Federation, the summit will mark the launch of the Dhaka Declaration on Faith-Based Diabetes Prevention. The declaration proposes a framework for integrating faith leaders and religious institutions into national prevention strategies.
A community-based model with measurable impact
The initiative builds on Bangladesh’s Diabetes Prevention through Religious Leaders programme, developed by BADAS, the Directorate General of Health Services and the Islamic Foundation.
Initially delivered through more than 100 mosques, the programme trains religious leaders to share evidence-based health information, support community screening and counselling and refer people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes to health services. It is now being expanded to include Hindu, Christian and Buddhist communities.
A 2025 cluster-randomised clinical trial found that the programme achieved a 42–43% reduction in progression to type 2 diabetes among participants at high risk.
IDF estimates show that the prevalence of diabetes among adults aged 20–79 in Bangladesh was 13.2% in 2024, representing 13.9 million people living with diabetes. By 2050, this number is projected to increase by approximately 66% to 23.1 million, while prevalence is expected to reach 15.4%.
The Dhaka Declaration
The Dhaka Declaration calls on countries to recognise faith institutions as formal partners in preventing type 2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
Proposed actions include integrating faith-based health promotion into national policies, developing culturally appropriate educational and sermon materials and establishing screening, counselling and referral services in places of worship.
The declaration also emphasises maternal and preconception health education, public-private partnerships, international knowledge-sharing and annual progress reviews. A proposed five-year regional roadmap for 2026–2030 and an annual Dhaka Forum will support implementation.
Bringing prevention into communities
IDF President Prof Peter Schwarz, who will be present in Dhaka and Chair a session on global strategies for diabetes prevention, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the importance of extending prevention beyond clinical settings.
“Addressing diabetes requires us to move beyond clinical care and bring prevention directly into our communities,” said Prof Schwarz.
He noted that faith leaders are trusted voices who can encourage healthier behaviours, improve access to health services and reach communities that may otherwise have limited access to health information and support. He described Bangladesh’s culturally grounded programme as a model that could offer valuable lessons for other countries.
National Professor Dr A.K. Azad Khan, President of BADAS, also emphasised the importance of using trusted channels and culturally appropriate language to communicate prevention messages effectively.
Watch Professor Schwarz’s message for the International Prevention Summit 2026.
