World Diabetes Day (WDD)
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated annually on November 14. Led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by IDF and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225.
The World Diabetes Day campaign aims to:
- Be the platform to promote IDF advocacy efforts throughout the year
- Be the global driver to promote the importance of taking coordinated and concerted actions to confront diabetes as a critical global health issue
The campaign is represented by a blue circle logo that was adopted in 2007 after the passage of the UN Resolution on diabetes. The blue circle is the global symbol for diabetes awareness. It signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes epidemic.
The theme of World Diabetes Day (WDD) 2016 will be ‘Eyes on diabetes’. The key messages guiding the campaign are:
- Screening for type 2 diabetes is important to modify its course and reduce the risk of complications.
- Screening for diabetes complications is an essential part of managing all types of diabetes.
Supporting materials for the campaign will be released from May through to September in an effort to help WDD stakeholders to prepare for the day.
International Diabetes Federation
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organisation of over 230 national diabetes associations in 170 countries and territories. It represents the interests of the growing number of people with diabetes and those at risk. The Federation has been leading the global diabetes community since 1950.
IDF is a diverse and inclusive multi-cultural network of national diabetes associations and an authoritative global voice in non-communicable diseases.
The Federation’s activities aim to influence policy, increase public awareness and encourage health improvement, promote the exchange of high-quality information about diabetes, and provide education for people with diabetes and their healthcare providers. IDF is associated with the Department of Public Information of the United Nations and is in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
