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Bring stakeholders together around a common goal There are already many opportunities to improve diabetes prevention and control, from changing risk factors to effective treatment and care. However, there is a lack of a common goal with clear objectives around which all stakeholders are united, taking action in their specific areas of expertise.

Integrate diabetes prevention and treatment into primary health care and universal health insurance In many countries, services for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, including screening for complications, do not exist at the primary health care level or cannot be accessed free of charge. Also, in many parts of the world, diabetes medicaments are not included in health insurance schemes and cannot be purchased without financial hardships. Growing prevalence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases is a serious problem. However, integrating diabetes prevention and care into primary healthcare system and universal health insurance could be a significantly beneficial solution.

Close research and regulatory gaps, by driving innovation The WHO Compact aims to address priority research gaps. The Compact will promote innovation, including development and evaluation of low-cost technologies and digital solutions for diabetes treatment, with a focus on helping the most vulnerable populations.

Improve access to diabetes diagnostics, medicines, and goods for health, especially insulin, in countries with low and middle level of income Many people struggle to access affordable medicines and technologies to treat diabetes. Improving access requires efforts from public and private sectors. The WHO is working to identify ways in which these sectors can help solve problems in a meaningful way. For example, by increasing transparency, guaranteeing an uninterrupted supply of insulin to low-income countries and countries with humanitarian emergencies, participating in future procurement mechanisms, and participating in the WHO insulin prequalification program.

Develop global coverage targets for diabetes care Setting global coverage targets can stimulate action to improve access to care for people with diabetes. Given that many people are currently living with diabetes without even realizing it, the goal of global coverage of these people is vital. Investing in combating diabetes can be cost-effective and equitable. Conversely, inaction leads to significant costs that could have been avoided. An explanation of the links between strengthening health systems and economic growth, as well as the economic benefits offered, is needed to justify investment action. Accordingly, this objective will aim to quantify costs and benefits of narrowing the gap between people who can access to the diabetes care services and those who cannot.

Improve diabetes treatment for those experiencing humanitarian emergencies Several million people with diabetes have been affected by humanitarian emergencies. And these people face unique challenges. For them, access to essential medicines and diagnostics is often lacking or insufficient. Development and implementation of activities in cooperation with humanitarian partners should hence be a priority.

Improve understanding of diabetes There is a need to improve understanding of diabetes and how it can be prevented and treated. It is essential to expand health education and literacy at community level. To, for instance, explain and educate signs and symptoms of diabetes, nuances of diabetes, or available interventions.

Ensure a better recovery based on the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic If not addressed immediately, diabetes threatens existence of families, resilience of national health systems, and global growth and development. The COVID-19 pandemic is putting additional pressure on these threats and will have long-term impacts on health and healthcare systems vital to rehabilitation and care. Thus, recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic must go hand in hand with action to combat diabetes.