The Unite for Diabetes campaign: Overcoming constraints to find a global policy solution

• Authors: Karen Siegel, MATRIX Public Health Solutions; K.M. Venkat Narayan, Emory University
• Journal Title: Globalization and Health
• Volume: Volume 4, Number 3
• Publisher: BioMed Central | 2008
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1186/1744-8603-4-3
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Epidemiology; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Despite the fact that diabetes and other non-communicable diseases represent a significant proportion of the global burden of disease, proportionate global action has not occurred. A 2003 article reported on global constraints to the implementation of effective policies to curb non-communicable disease epidemics. These constraints include a lack of global advocacy, insufficient attention from funding agencies and governments, partnerships and interactions, capacity and resources, and global norms and standards, as well as orientation of health services to acute care. Building on these ideas, this paper will review the progress that has been made with regards to each constraint, focusing on the International Diabetes Federation's Unite for Diabetes campaign and United Nations resolution on diabetes to show how this event – driven by globalization – has helped remove some of these barriers. Additional progress in diabetes and NCD prevention and control is also highlighted. The paper concludes by outlining what still needs to happen for globalization to be an effective solution for diabetes and non-communicable disease prevention and control.