R.M. Anjana appointed as chair of the International Diabetes Foundation working group on physical activity

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has appointed R.M. Anjana as the Chair of the IDF Working Group on Physical Activity. She will also head the newly launched IDF ‘ACTIVE’ Initiative, focused on increasing physical activity globally. Dr. Anjana will lead an international consortium to ensure global collaboration in addressing the impact of physical inactivity on noncommunicable diseases. With a significant percentage of the population not meeting physical activity guidelines, the initiative aims to tackle this growing crisis.

Peter Schwarz, IDF President, stressed the importance of increasing physical activity to prevent diabetes and improve overall health. He believes the new leadership can translate global evidence into actionable community initiatives. Dr. Anjana shared her vision to integrate physical movement into preventive healthcare, citing ongoing projects like THANDAV. She plans to introduce culturally appropriate programs in India to promote active living sustainably.

V. Mohan, Chairman of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, highlighted the importance of preventive health in managing diabetes. He commended the IDF ACTIVE Initiative’s fitness challenges, activity-scoring tools, and community programs to encourage active lifestyles worldwide. Dr. Anjana’s leadership in this initiative will drive global efforts to enhance physical activity levels and combat noncommunicable diseases through community engagement.