On 21-22 November, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) joined World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia (SEARO) regional countries and their Ministries of Health in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for “Regional Commemoration of World Diabetes Day 2024 – Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”, an event organised by WHO and WHO SEARO region.
The event, which resulted in the approval of the “Colombo Call to Action for Strengthening Prevention and Control of Diabetes in the WHO South-East Asia Region”, sought to galvanise the implementation of key asks of the Global Diabetes Compact in WHO SEA countries.
The event highlighted the importance of diabetes as a public health issue and explored challenges and opportunities in the SEA region to improve diabetes prevention, diagnosis and treatment. This perspective was reflected in the technical sessions and plenary discussions that addressed diabetes education, access to care, integrating diabetes prevention and management into primary health care and UHC, and mobilising diabetes stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, IDF Advocacy Manager Beatriz Yáñez Jiménez, highlighted that:
“The Colombo Call to Action has the potential to be a turning point in improving the well-being of people at risk of and living with diabetes in the WHO SEARO region. However, this will not be possible without strong political will, sufficient resources and the involvement of all stakeholders, including listening to the specific challenges and needs of people living with diabetes and their carers.”
Diabetes in South-East Asia
The IDF South-East Asia (SEA) region includes seven countries and territories, each with unique socioeconomic and healthcare challenges. However, one common thread is the rising impact of diabetes.
According to the latest estimates released by IDF in 2021, an estimated 1 in 11 adults in the SEA region live with the condition, while over half (46 million) are undiagnosed.. The number of people with diabetes is projected to rise to 152 million by 2045, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive, region-wide action.
India alone accounts for 1 in 7 (90 million) of all adults living with diabetes globally, with a prevalence rate of 8.3%, while in Sri Lanka over 1.4 million (10% of the population) people live with diabetes.
The Global Diabetes Compact in the SEA region
Following the launch of the Global Diabetes Compact in 2021, Sri Lanka, with other countries in the region, has prioritised diabetes prevention and management to halt the growing burden in the country. While continuing to reduce the treatment gap with enhanced screening and provision of medicines, Sri Lanka has also prioritised diabetes prevention through early lifestyle interventions targeting children and adolescents.
