The World Diabetes Foundation

The World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), established by Novo Nordisk in 2001 through a 10-year grant of USD 85 million, is dedicated to supporting the prevention and treatment of diabetes in the developing world through the funding of sustainable projects. Its goal is equal access to diabetes care.

To date, WDF has funded 138 projects, covering 77 countries, focusing on diabetes awareness, education and capacity-building at local, regional and global levels. A projection of the impact of the WDF’s work shows that the projects funded will positively impact 63 million people in the developing countries. WDF funding has a multiplier effect – since always working with partners it is possible to secure other sources of funding. This allows the project portfolio to be an estimated USD 125.7 million of which WDF has donated USD 42.6 million.

A further donation of USD 115 million was approved by the Annual General Meeting of Novo Nordisk in 2008, ensuring support for future projects under the auspices of the WDF, which is an acknowledged leader in addressing chronic diseases in the developing world