This month, we pay tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Prof. Akhtar Hussain, the President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and a visionary in the field of diabetes research and education. Prof. Hussain, who passed away in 2024, dedicated over 30 years to advancing diabetes care and education on a global scale.

Originally from Bangladesh, Prof. Hussain pursued his post-graduate and doctoral studies in the United States and Norway. He held prestigious positions in cancer research and epidemiology in Norway, Brazil, and Bangladesh. His dedication to improving global health was evident through his many years as Professor of Medicine in Global Health at NORD University in Norway.

Prof. Hussain’s contributions to the diabetes community were widely recognized. He received the Bangladesh National Award in Diabetes in 2011 and 2012 for his outstanding work. As Vice President (2013-15, 2016-17) and President-Elect (2020-21) of the IDF, he played a pivotal role in expanding IDF’s education activities, particularly through the IDF School of Diabetes.

In December 2022, Prof. Hussain became President of the IDF at the World Diabetes Congress in Lisbon. During his tenure, he led the development of a new strategic plan aimed at securing access to affordable, quality diabetes care and education worldwide. His leadership and passion for the diabetes cause have left an indelible mark on the global diabetes community.

Beyond his work with IDF, Prof. Hussain was instrumental in initiating diabetes prevention programs in Bangladesh and Pakistan. He was a life member of Diabetes Associations in Bangladesh and Norway and served on the Medical Advisory Board of the Norwegian Diabetes Federation. His scholarly contributions were vast, with over 200 peer-reviewed articles and several book chapters to his name.

Prof. Akhtar Hussain’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide those in the diabetes field, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.