Somali Diabetes Foundation SDF
Somali Diabetes Foundation · SDF

About the Somali Diabetes Foundation

Working toward a healthier Somalia through diabetes prevention, awareness, management, research, advocacy, professional education, and community support.

Who we are

Building a stronger response to diabetes in Somalia

The Somali Diabetes Foundation (SDF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving diabetes prevention, awareness, care, education, research, advocacy, and community support in Somalia.

SDF recognizes that diabetes requires a comprehensive response that goes beyond treatment alone. Prevention, early detection, appropriate treatment, regular follow-up, patient education, family support, complication prevention, and stronger health systems all have an important role.

The Foundation works toward bringing together communities, healthcare professionals, institutions, government stakeholders, researchers, humanitarian organizations, and other partners around a stronger national response to diabetes.

Our Purpose

To contribute to a stronger diabetes response in Somalia by connecting prevention, awareness, care, education, patient support, research, advocacy, and collaboration.

Our Commitment

SDF is committed to community-centered work, evidence-informed approaches, professional capacity building, partnership, and responsible use of resources.

Our direction

Mission & Vision

Our mission and vision guide the Foundation's work toward better diabetes prevention, care, support, and health outcomes in Somalia.

Our Mission

Better diabetes prevention and care

To improve diabetes prevention, early detection, treatment, education, and support for communities across Somalia.

Our Vision

A healthier Somalia

A Somalia where people can prevent diabetes, access quality care, and live healthier lives with fewer avoidable complications.

What guides our work

Our Core Goals

SDF's work is organized around interconnected areas designed to strengthen diabetes prevention, care, knowledge, and support.

1

Public Awareness & Education

Increase public understanding of diabetes, its risk factors, symptoms, prevention, management, and complications.

2

Screening & Prevention

Promote risk assessment, community screening, early detection, healthy lifestyles, and timely intervention.

3

Healthcare Professional Training

Strengthen the capacity of doctors, nurses, community health workers, and other healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care.

4

Policy & Health-System Strengthening

Support stronger diabetes policies, accessible treatment, and integration of diabetes care into health services.

5

Research & Data

Generate and use research and data to better understand diabetes and inform health programs, policy, and practice.

6

Patient & Community Support

Support people living with diabetes and their families through education, community engagement, counseling, and peer support.

7

Fundraising & Resource Mobilization

Mobilize resources through grants, donations, partnerships, and mission-aligned activities to sustain diabetes programs.

Our approach

Connecting people, knowledge, and action

SDF's approach recognizes that sustainable progress in diabetes care requires collaboration across communities, healthcare, research, policy, and partnerships.

01

Community-Centered

Bringing diabetes education, prevention, and support closer to the communities and people who need them.

02

Evidence-Informed

Promoting research, data, education, and practical approaches that can strengthen diabetes programs and care.

03

Collaborative

Working with healthcare institutions, government, researchers, humanitarian organizations, communities, and other partners.

04

Sustainable

Building capacity, partnerships, resources, and systems that can contribute to long-term progress.

Idea conceived

20 August 2024

The idea that became the Somali Diabetes Foundation was born from a clinical encounter that highlighted the devastating intersection of diabetes, poverty, complications, and limited access to essential care.


Officially founded

20 November 2024

The idea was transformed into a formal organization committed to contributing to a stronger diabetes response in Somalia.

Our story

From one encounter to a national vision

The founding story of SDF began during an ordinary night-shift commute, when the Founder, a medical doctor, met a young boy living with diabetes who had a dialysis catheter and was experiencing serious financial barriers to essential care.

That encounter raised a fundamental question: could a different outcome have been possible through earlier diabetes education, prevention, diagnosis, appropriate treatment, monitoring, and comprehensive support?

The experience became the seed of an idea: building an organization that could contribute to diabetes awareness, prevention, early detection, patient support, professional education, advocacy, research, partnerships, and stronger diabetes care in Somalia.

From one encounter came one idea. From one idea came one foundation. From one foundation comes a vision for a healthier Somalia.

Read Our Founding Story
Accountability

Governance & Leadership

SDF's organizational framework is designed to support effective leadership, strategic oversight, accountability, and expert guidance.

General Assembly

The supreme decision-making body responsible for major policies, leadership, and review of annual reports.

Board of Directors

Provides strategic oversight and governance for the Foundation.

Executive Committee

Responsible for day-to-day management and implementation of programs and organizational activities.

Advisory Council

Provides expert guidance and support in diabetes care, public health, policy, and related areas.

Be part of a healthier Somalia.

Whether through partnership, professional engagement, research, volunteering, community participation, or financial support, there is a role for everyone in strengthening diabetes care.

Get Involved Support SDF