Novo Nordisk has pledged USD 200 million to the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) over the next decade, backing an ambitious push to strengthen diabetes prevention and care in some of the world's most underserved communities.

 

Announced ahead of World Diabetes Day on 14 November, the commitment will run from 2027 to 2036 and support efforts to expand equitable access to diabetes services in low- and middle-income countries.

 

The scale of the challenge is significant. An estimated 589 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, with around 80% of those aged 20–79 residing in low- and middle-income countries. The growing burden is placing mounting pressure on healthcare systems, particularly in communities where access to diagnosis, treatment and long-term care remains limited.

 

The decade-long funding commitment is expected to give WDF greater financial certainty to plan long-term programmes, strengthen partnerships and expand regional and global responses to the diabetes crisis. A key focus will be integrating prevention and treatment into existing local health services and communities to ensure lasting improvements in access to care.

 

The foundation's track record highlights the potential impact of sustained investment.

 

In Tanzania, more than two decades of partnership helped transform a small diabetes clinic into a nationwide government-owned programme addressing non-communicable diseases. The initiative trained thousands of healthcare workers and integrated treatment and referral guidelines into the country's public health system.

 

In Jordan, a five-year programme brought diabetes prevention, screening, counselling and treatment into existing healthcare services. It strengthened more than 190 health facilities, trained over 2,000 healthcare providers and improved care for more than 192,000 people, including refugees and host communities.

 

Welcoming the latest commitment, WDF Managing Director Leif Fenger Jensen said the funding would help build on the foundation's 25 years of work in countries facing the greatest challenges in diabetes care.

 

“The World Diabetes Foundation is grateful for this major commitment from Novo. It recognises our work over 25 years to support people living with diabetes and related non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries,” said Leif Fenger Jensen, Managing Director of the World Diabetes Foundation. “This commitment will enable WDF and our many partners to continue working to improve prevention and equitable access to care for people in need.”

 

Novo Nordisk said the ten-year pledge reflects the need for sustained investment, stronger local partnerships and healthcare solutions that can be embedded into everyday medical services.

 

“Lasting improvements in health don't happen overnight. They require long-term commitment, strong local partnerships and solutions that can become part of everyday healthcare. Through this ten-year commitment, we want to help the World Diabetes Foundation build on what works, strengthen local health systems and bring prevention and care within reach of more underserved communities.” said Elin Jäger, Senior vice president, Chief of Staff to CEO, Transformation & Sustainability.

 

With diabetes cases continuing to rise worldwide, the USD 200 million commitment signals a renewed focus on strengthening healthcare systems rather than relying on short-term interventions — with the ultimate goal of bringing prevention, diagnosis and treatment within reach of millions more people.