In late September, the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) travelled to New York to participate in the fourth UN High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on NCDs and Mental Health, a pivotal gathering to advance global action. In the days leading up to the HLM4, WDF convened a series of side events, including one titled, Equity and Integration: Reshaping Health Systems through People-Centred Primary Health Care (PHC).
Co-organised by WDF in collaboration with partners, including FIND, UNAIDS, Resolve to Save Lives, NCD Alliance, and United for Global Mental Health, the event highlighted how equity and integration are key to addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health. Co-hosted by the Governments of Tanzania and Denmark, it brought together over 200 leaders from government, civil society, academia, and individuals with lived experience to discuss how to accelerate the growth of integrated primary health care systems.
Among the powerful voices at the event was Carol Nawina Maimbolwa Nyirenda, Executive Director of CITAMPlus, who brought the conversation to life with her poignant reminder: "Don't cut me into several pieces. I am one person; treat me as such.” Living with HIV and diabetes and a survivor of TB and cancer, Carol stressed the need for holistic health systems that provide timely care in one place. As she shared, integration is not just about improving systems — it’s about survival.
Building on Carol’s heartfelt testimony, the discussions at the side event highlighted essential lessons for advancing integrated care:
- Integrated care saves lives: Cohesive systems improve outcomes for people living with multiple health conditions.
- Scaling proven models: Successes from Tanzania, India, South Africa, and other countries demonstrated the feasibility of integrated care.
- Community engagement matters: Systems that involve people with lived experience drive real-world change.
- Innovation is essential: Timely access to diagnostics and medicines is foundational for effective primary health care.
In closing, NCD Alliance CEO Katie Dain urged action on “advocacy, implementation, and accountability”, reminding us that integration must move beyond rhetoric if it is to effect meaningful change.
Lessons from WDF’s work
For over two decades, the World Diabetes Foundation has championed equity and integration, providing €223.5 million in funding to 621 partnership projects across 120 countries. By collaborating with governments, civil society, and communities, we’ve made significant strides in strengthening health systems and empowering healthcare professionals to deliver person-centred care. These contributions have led to impactful outcomes, including:
- National implementation of NCD strategies: WDF has supported ministries of health and NCD alliances in expanding access to basic care for diabetes and related NCDs.
- Sustainable investment models: Governments have allocated domestic resources to strengthen NCD prevention and control, catalysed by multistakeholder engagement.
- Capacity-building: Thousands of healthcare professionals have been trained in diagnosis, treatment, and education for NCDs.
- Multisectoral governance: High-level endorsements have mobilised other sectors in the NCD response, ensuring strong accountability mechanisms.
These experiences reaffirm how integration can translate into better care at the community level while aligning with national priorities.
The way forward
The HLM4 highlighted the urgent need to close the leadership gap in the global NCD response. While advocacy remains critical, meaningful progress demands coordinated action and accountability at all levels. For WDF, this means amplifying the voices of communities, driving the development of integrated health systems, and scaling sustainable models of care that prioritise those most in need.
Carol’s powerful call for holistic, person-centred care resonates deeply with our mission. Integration is not just about improving systems — it is about addressing the whole person and ensuring no one is left behind. As we move forward, WDF is committed to leading with equity, fostering collaboration, and advancing solutions that deliver lasting impact for individuals and their communities.
Watch the recording of the Equity and Integration side event.
