DRIVING CHANGE IN 2024
Dear colleagues, dear friends,
Over the past two years, IDF Europe, in collaboration with key partners, has been driving major policy developments such as the European Parliament Resolution on Diabetes in 2022 and the signing of the IDF Europe-WHO Europe Declaration on “Accelerating actions on commitments to improve diabetes detection and quality of life” at the High-Level Technical Summit held in Belgrade, last November.
However momentous these have been, we cannot stop here! 2024 will be a critical year for the diabetes community. The upcoming European Union parliamentary elections in June and the appointment of a new European Commission will frame the opportunities for further action on diabetes at EU level for the next five years. Meanwhile, the shifting geo-political and economic landscape will likely create more uncertainty and pressure points on health budgets, affecting healthcare systems’ ability to implement the measures required to effect a real, positive change for people living with diabetes and other chronic conditions.
Now more than ever we need to advocate for stronger policies and greater PwD representation in policymaking at the European and national levels to drive effective change, reduce inequalities and ensure that all PwD can lead long and fulfilling lives.
In these critical times, we will not be successful if we do not work collaboratively to make diabetes a political priority for pan-European and national decision-makers. Together, let’s unite to push for a different future for people living with diabetes.
How can you take a stand and become part of a powerful and united voice advocating for stronger action on diabetes?
Each endorsement counts to show policymakers that more needs to be done to improve the lives of PwD and those at risk.
IDF EUROPE YOUTH PLATFORM
Apply to host the IDF Europe Youth Leadership Lab in 2024
Would you like to play a key role in uniting and strengthening the voices of young diabetes advocates across Europe? Apply to host the IDF Europe Youth Leadership Lab in 2024!
In 2011, IDF Europe launched the Youth Leadership Camp (YLC), an initiative aimed at nurturing a new generation of advocates and creating a strong pan-European network. Each year since, a group of around 24 advocates aged 18-30 from IDF Europe’s member associations are invited to participate in the Youth Leadership Camp.
Combining sports activities and interactive workshops, the YLC is an opportunity for young advocates to learn about different advocacy, policy and communications techniques, find out about the differences in diabetes care and daily-life realities across Europe, share their strategies on coping with diabetes, and learn from their day-to-day triumphs and challenges.
IDF Europe wishes to continue to work closely with member associations on this project in 2024 and build on the momentum generated in past editions. The YLC will take place week of July 7-13, 2024 (arrival on Sunday 7).
If your member association wishes to apply to host the next YLC, please follow the link below. The deadline to apply is February 15.
MEMBER NEWS
13th Serbian Diabetes Congress
On December 13, 2023, 900 participants gathered in Belgrade at the 13th Serbian Diabetes Congress, which was held in person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Congress featured 20 symposia covering a wide variety of topics, a parallel programme organised by diabetes nurses – “Nurses as part of the diabetes team” and another parallel programme on “How to live with diabetes”, organised by PwD.
IDF Europe webinar for Member Associations on the upcoming EU Elections
On February 9, IDF Europe, in collaboration with its public affair partner, will hold a webinar for Member Associations to present information and discuss how to effectively engage in policy and advocacy initiatives at the national and European levels, in light of the upcoming European elections.
The event will be an opportunity to exchange crucial information and explore strategies to work more closely together to make diabetes a priority for European action.
The webinar will take place on February 9, from 13:00 to 14:30. All IDF Europe Member Associations operating in EU countries are warmly invited to join.
To register, please send an email to izabell.thunstrom@idf-europe.org.
IDF Europe Communications Toolkit for Member Associations
IDF Europe released a Toolkit for its Member Associations which aims to provide background information on the Resolution on Diabetes adopted last year by the European Parliament, the Declaration co-signed by IDF Europe and WHO Europe at the High-Level Technical Summit on Diabetes last November, and the Pledge on Diabetes developed with other EUDF Forum Members. The Toolkit suggests ways of leveraging these documents for policy action at national level. It includes:
An overview of the scope and the content of the Resolution/Declaration/Pledge
IDF Europe’s call to action throughout 2024
A timeline of key initiatives from November 2023 to June 2024
Strategies to get involved and support IDF Europe’s Campaign around the Declaration
Strategies to embed the Resolution/Declaration/Pledge in national advocacy
A set of resources and key messages to support advocacy and communications activities
A set of suggested social media strategies and posts to raise awareness of diabetes and promote the calls made in the Resolution/Declaration/Pledge
Template letters for reaching out to national diabetes stakeholders and policymakers
National diabetes associations play a key role in driving change by raising awareness of diabetes and holding national, regional and local governments to account for their commitments on diabetes. The Resolution, Declaration and Pledge can only be impactful if governments are aware of their recommendations and calls to action. Achieving real impact requires the diabetes community to work together across all political levels. We trust that the Toolkit will help coordinate our efforts and those of our members to achieve positive change across the entire Europe Region.
To request the Toolkit, please contact sabine.dupont@idf-europe.org and martina.boccardo@idf-europe.org.
IDF EUROPE NEWS, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
IDF Europe Annual Report 2023
IDF Europe released its Annual Report for 2023, a very busy year for the diabetes community, which included, at a pan-regional level, the signing of a momentous IDF Europe-WHO Europe Declaration on accelerating action on diabetes.
You can now read all about our 2023 programmes and activities including our actions/initiatives:
Aiming to unite the voices of PwD
Advocating for PwD
Communicating and collaborating for change
Ensuring that the voice of PwD is heard in scientific/ research projects
Empowering PwD
IDF Europe Country Profiles: Armenia, Austria, Moldova and Switzerland
As part of our Centenary of Insulin campaign, we are releasing national factsheets presenting key facts about diabetes care, with the purpose of raising awareness and enabling policymakers to make better decisions when it comes to diabetes care.
EASL webinar on Steatotic Liver Disease
On January 31, the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) hosted a webinar to raise awareness of liver diseases under the theme “Steatotic Liver Disease (SLD) – the missing piece in the NCD puzzle”.
During the event, IDF Europe representative and diabetes advocate, Prof. Sergio Paoletti, joined the panel discussion to share his experience of living with diabetes and liver disease and the importance of access to integrated and person-centred care to optimally manage co-morbidities.
During the discussion, Prof. Paoletti emphasised the fact that improving healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) education and strengthening collaboration between specialties, for example, hepatology and endocrinology, are crucial steps to help people living with diabetes and other conditions prevent the development of life-altering complications.
IDF Europe Twinning Programme
As part of our Centenary of Insulin campaign, IDF Europe has been facilitating a dedicated knowledge exchange programme for all our member associations.
The objective of the Twinning Programme is to build on national expertise and foster strategic collaboration between member associations to grow their capacity. By doing so, one’s strengths are used to support someone else’s needs.
The Twinning Programme consists of one-on-one collaborations between member associations and a webinar series on key topics of interest for our members.
If your association should like to be considered for the Twinning Programme, please contact martina.boccardo@idf-europe.org.
IDF EUROPE ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATION WORK
Leonard Thompson Day
On January 23, we celebrated 102 years since Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old boy living with diabetes, became the first person to be successfully treated with insulin, a medicine that has since saved millions of lives.
IDF Europe virtual exhibition tells the story of the journey that led to the discovery of insulin by walking you through the many innovations that, since 1550 BC, contributed to improving our understanding of diabetes and its treatment. Today, research continues to pave the way for many innovative solutions to improve the quality of life of PwD and ultimately find a cure.
International Day of Education
January 24 marked the International Day of Education. This year, under the theme, “Learning for lasting peace”, the day highlighted the role of education in counteracting discrimination and hate speech.
On this important occasion, IDF Europe published an article raising awareness of the burden that stigma and discrimination place on PwD and highlighting the urgent need to prioritise education, regulate the use of inclusive language and strengthen collaboration with PwD to shape a fairer society that stands united against diabetes stigma and discrimination.
NEWS FROM EUROPE
The diabetes community loses an esteemed member in Dr. Michael Stephen Hall
It is with deep regret that we have learned that Dr. Michael Stephen Hall passed away on January 1.
“Dr. Hall will leave an unfillable void in the medical and diabetes community and the lives of those he touched. He always strived to help others and the diabetes cause in a remarkable way.” – Mr. Chris Delicata, President, Maltese Diabetes Association
A fundraising for Diabetes UK has been created in Dr. Hall’s memory.
Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
On January 1, 2024, Belgium assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. During this six-month period, the Belgian Presidency will continue working on the long-term goals and policy objectives set out in the context of the trio presidencies of Spain, Belgium and Hungary.
The Belgian Presidency’s health agenda focuses on five strategic areas:
Preparedness
Care
Protection
Finalisation of the legislation
Health-in-all policies
IDF Europe welcomes the Belgian Presidency's programme which reflects some of the most pressing challenges health systems and people face today but regrets the lack of attention to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in particular diabetes.
ISPAD survey on transition between paediatric and adult diabetes healthcare services
The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) is conducting a survey among adolescents and young adults living with diabetes, their adult carers and HCPs to understand their perceptions on the transition between paediatric and adult diabetes healthcare services.
The study findings will help formulate international consensus guidelines on transition between paediatric and adult-based diabetes healthcare services (by ISPAD, the Americal Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes).
The deadline for completing the survey is February 3.
WHO Europe: "Tackling diabetes – how Slovenia developed its second 10-year programme on diabetes, and its new approach"
WHO Europe recently released a case study, “Tackling diabetes – how Slovenia developed its second 10-year programme on diabetes, and its new approach”. The publication describes the 10-year programme on diabetes developed in Slovenia which aims to increase awareness, knowledge and skills as well as stimulate more positive attitudes among HCPs and PwD on how the condition can be prevented, delayed or managed in an integrated way, using new tools and approaches.
The programme emphasises partnership and empowerment, with a commitment to improve the lives of PwD and the adoption of a systematic and inclusive approach to policy development from which others can learn.
WHO Health Emergency Appeal
On January 15, WHO launched its Health Emergency Appeal 2024 which aims to address ongoing emergencies affecting 300 million people worldwide.
Man-made crises and natural disasters are leading to the erosion of human rights such as the right to health.
The WHO Appeal is an important step towards improving collaboration and putting in place emergency preparedness plans that can help protect the health of all citizens, including those living with chronic conditions and requiring uninterrupted access to care.
154th WHO Executive Board
The 154th session of the WHO Executive Board (EB) took place on January 22-27 with a vast agenda including the new WHO 14th General Programme of Work (GPW14) 2025-2028, which is set to be adopted at the upcoming World Health Assembly in May.
With regard to NCD prevention and control, discussions primarily centred upon the need for increased attention towards mental health, a clear priority area for Member States.
This year, WHO is set to propose an updated monitoring framework for NCDs as well as a renewed set of NCD targets to ensure continued progress and prevention of NCDs.
OECD Declaration: "Building better policies for more resilient health systems"
On January 23, on the occasion of the Health Committee at Ministerial level, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) adopted a declaration on “Building better policies for more resilient health systems”.
The Declaration sets a vision for how health systems should evolve to be more resilient and high performing, identify key pressure points as well as policy areas where there are opportunities or required change and how the OECD can support governments address these issues. The Declaration is centred around four main pillars:
Building more resilient health systems
Innovative, people-centred healthcare
Healthier populations
Better health systems intelligence
EU4Health Manifesto for the EU 2024 Elections
On January 24, the EU4Health Civil Society Alliance launched its manifesto for the European elections 2024, with 10 key priorities focusing on strengthening EU policymaking in public health and breaking policy silos.
IDF Europe supports all manifesto priorities, which, among others, highlight the need to improve the empowerment and engagement of people with lived experience and communities in the co-creation of public health policies.
EU-FUNDED PROJECTS
New project: ASSESS-DHT
On January 25-26, Sabine Dupont, IDF Europe Policy & Strategy Director, attended the official launch of ASSESS-DHT, a project aiming to boost the adoption of trustworthy and effective Digital Health Technologies (DHT) across Europe. As part of ASSESS-DHT, an innovative assessment framework will be developed that goes beyond existing models, ensuring uniform Health Technology Assessment (HTA) adoption throughout Europe. This framework will address new assessment challenges in Digital Therapeutics, AI, and telehealth.
IDF Europe will play a key role in engaging stakeholders, ensuring that all relevant voices are heard and included in the project.
New project: DiaPs
On January 27, Mia Bajramagic, IDF Europe Project Coordinator, participated in the kick-off meeting of Diabetes Digital Peer S(up)port (DiaPS), an Erasmus+ funded project which aims to develop a digital platform for peer support where PwD can share their experience on managing their condition during sport activities.
IDF Europe will be supporting the effective engagement of PwD in the project as well as the development of education activities aimed at stimulating a positive attitude towards sports and physical activity.
DigiCare4You press release: Annual Meeting in Tirana
IDF Europe is part of the DigiCare4You Horizon 2020 project which aims to improve the early prevention and management of T2D and hypertension.
On November 20-21, 2023, DigiCare4You consortium members held the project’s fourth Annual Meeting in Tirana, Albania.
Get involved in Trials@Home!
Join the RADIAL study as a trial participant!
If you are living with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) on long-acting insulin, in one of the countries where the trial has already started – Denmark, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK – or will start soon (Spain) and are interested in helping with the RADIAL proof-of-concept, you can learn more here.
Share your views on clinical trials!
If you are living with T2D in Austria, Germany or The Netherlands, then you can also take the Trials@Home Survey which aims to understand the preferences for participation in clinical trials of people living with T2D! The survey is being conducted among people >18 y/o living with T2D.
UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS EUROPE
European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Webinar: Europe in the World – Viewing health challenges through a global lens
Online, February 7, 2024 | For more information, click here
International Conference on Advanced Technologies and Treatments of Diabetes (ATTD)
Florence and online, March 6-9, 2024 | For more information, click here
DIA Europe 2024 – Collaborating for Healthcare Innovation
Brussels, March 12-14, 2024 |For more information, click here
77th World Health Assembly
Geneva, May 27-June 1, 2024 |For more information, click here
17th International Primary Care Diabetes Europe Conference (PCDE) – The Changing Paradigm in Primary Care Diabetes Management
Barcelona, June 6-8, 2024 |For more information, click here
2024 European Parliament Elections
June 6-9, 2024 |For more information, click here
IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) 2024
July 7-13, 2024 |For more information, click here (applications for participants will open in March)
European Network for the Promotion of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) 15th Conference
August 19-21, 2024 |For more information, click here
European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 60th Annual Meeting
Madrid, September 10-13, 2024 |For more information, click here
International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) 50th Annual Conference
Lisbon, October 16-19, 2024 |For more information, click here
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