Eight Global Organisations Sign Joint Declaration in Bengaluru to Make Diabetic Foot a World Health Priority
Eight international organisations sign a joint declaration in Bengaluru to prioritise diabetic foot survival and limb preservation globally.
In a landmark move to combat one of the most neglected complications of diabetes, eight international organisations from four continents have signed a Joint Declaration on Diabetic Foot Survival and Limb Preservation. The historic agreement took place in Bengaluru during DFSICON 2026, the 23rd Annual Conference of the Diabetic Foot Society of India (DFSI).
The signatories have announced their intention to form a Global Alliance for Diabetic Foot Survival and Limb Preservation, aiming to unite scientific bodies under a single, measurable agenda to protect patients' lives, limbs, and dignity.
A Unified Global Mission
The declaration brings together heavyweights in the field, including:
- Diabetic Foot Society of India (DFSI)
- Podiatric Surgeons’ Society
- King's College Hospital Diabetic Foot Unit, London
- International Association of Diabetic Foot Surgeons (IADFS)
- D-Foot International
- Pan-African Diabetic Foot Study Group (PADFSG)
- American Limb Preservation Society (ALPS)
- International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP-IFP)
These organisations have committed to a rigorous agenda focusing on prevention, early detection, timely referral, multidisciplinary care, limb preservation, and rehabilitation. Furthermore, they have issued a formal call to governments and the World Health Organization (WHO) to elevate diabetic foot disease to a global health priority.
The Burden of Disease
Diabetic foot disease remains a leading cause of amputation, disability, and premature death worldwide. The impact is particularly severe in India, which is home to over 100 million people living with diabetes. Prof. V. B. Narayana Murthy, National President of DFSI, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that every stage of the disease—from initial numbness to the risk of amputation—represents a critical window for intervention.
"Today, scientific bodies from across the world have agreed on one measurable agenda to protect life, limb and dignity," said Prof. Murthy while announcing the new Alliance.
Karnataka Leads the Way in Care
The conference was inaugurated by Sri U. T. Khader, the Minister for Health & Family Welfare for the Government of Karnataka. He emphasized the state's proactive stance in managing the crisis.
"Karnataka has done a great deal to prevent, screen and treat diabetic foot disease, and to bring this care closer to people in every district," the Minister stated. He added that the state government would continue working with medical professionals to ensure no citizen loses a limb to a preventable complication.
AI Revolution in Foot Care
The conference also served as a launchpad for cutting-edge medical technology designed to bring expert knowledge directly to patients and clinicians. Two AI-powered tools were unveiled:
- StrideGPT: An AI assistant capable of answering complex questions regarding the diabetic foot for both doctors and patients.
- Wound360: A mobile application that uses photography to recognise and assess wounds, assisting clinicians in documenting and tracking the healing process.
Dr. Pavan Belehalli, Organising Treasurer of DFSICON 2026, remarked that such technology is only valuable when it reaches the patient, stating that these tools put reliable assessment power in the hands of users regardless of their location.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
The event, held at the Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru, brought together approximately 700 delegates and over 120 international faculty members. Dr. Sanjay Sharma, Organising Secretary, noted that the complexity of the disease requires a collective effort. "Saving limbs has never been the work of one discipline, and now it will not be the work of one country either," he said.
In addition to the technological launches, the conference also released A Step Ahead, a coffee table book focused on footwear and foot health, and felicitated the team behind PRAIAS, a nationwide initiative dedicated to diabetic foot screening and awareness.