Professor Dr. Zulfiqarali G. Abbas, a consultant physician, endocrinologist and diabetologist based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has received three prestigious professional honours in recognition of his more than three decades of contributions to diabetic foot care, clinical research, medical education and the prevention of avoidable amputations.
Who is Prof. Dr. Zulfiqarali G. Abbas?
Prof. Dr. Abbas is a consultant physician, endocrinologist and diabetologist in Dar es Salaam, and has been involved in diabetic foot care since 1992. He serves as Honorary President of D-Foot International, President of the Pan-African Diabetic Foot Study Group (PADFSG), an Executive Board Member of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF), and a Visiting Professor at Staffordshire University in the United Kingdom. He has published widely on diabetes-related foot complications, contributed chapters to medical books, edited a book on diabetic foot care for healthcare workers, and serves on the editorial boards of several international peer-reviewed journals.
A Journey Rooted in Service
Prof. Abbas was born in Nachingwea, in Tanzania’s Lindi District, where he also completed his early schooling. His family originally came from Kutch Mundra, Gujarat, India, and has lived in Tanzania for five generations. He pursued medical education and postgraduate training in Pakistan, Tanzania and the United Kingdom, and gained further professional experience in the United States through a CDC International Fellowship in Atlanta.
His career has brought together clinical practice, teaching and research, with a particular focus on diabetes and diabetic foot complications. Through his work, he has seen how foot complications can lead to infection, disability, amputation and even death, while also recognising that many of these outcomes can be prevented through early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, education and teamwork. For Prof. Abbas, diabetic foot care is not simply about treating a wound; it is about preserving a person’s mobility, independence, dignity and quality of life.
A Project with Global Reach
One of Prof. Abbas’s significant contributions is the Step-by-Step Foot Project, of which he is a founding member. Established in Dar es Salaam in 2003, the project has since been implemented in 128 countries. It demonstrates how practical education, collaboration and evidence-based approaches can help strengthen diabetic foot services, particularly in Africa and other settings where specialist services and resources may be limited.
Three Significant Recognitions in 2026
The first recognition was the Diabetic Foot Study Group (DFSG) Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the DFSG of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) during its meeting in Florence, Italy. The award recognises sustained contributions to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and research of diabetes-related foot disease. Prof. Abbas described the recognition as a great honour and an encouragement to continue supporting research, education and international collaboration in diabetic foot care.
Fellowship of the College of Wound Care Specialists: September 2026
Prof. Abbas was also awarded the Fellowship of the College of Wound Care Specialists (FCWCS) during the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) Silver Jubilee celebrations and Gala Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The fellowship recognises sustained contributions to wound care through clinical practice, research, education and professional leadership. He hopes that this recognition will also draw greater attention to the importance of wound care in Africa and other resource-limited settings.
Dr Arun Bal Oration Award of Honour: October 2026
The third honour, the Dr Arun Bal Oration Award of Honour 2026, was presented by the Diabetic Foot Society of India (DFSI) at its 23rd Annual National Conference in Bengaluru, India. Prof. Abbas was selected unanimously from among the nominees. He expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, emphasising that the awards reflect not only his own efforts, but also the work of the many colleagues and teams who have contributed to advancing diabetic foot care.
Looking Ahead
Despite these honours, Prof. Abbas’s priorities remain focused on prevention, early diagnosis, timely treatment and stronger diabetic foot services across Africa. He highlights the need for research that reflects local populations, improved training for healthcare professionals, and stronger multidisciplinary teams. Through D-Foot International and PADFSG, he hopes to continue strengthening partnerships, sharing experience and promoting practical approaches that reduce avoidable amputations.
His advice to young doctors, researchers and healthcare professionals is to remain curious, work hard, keep patients at the centre of their work, collaborate and share knowledge generously. He also stresses that valuable innovations need not be expensive or originate in well-resourced countries. Solutions developed with an understanding of local needs can also make a meaningful difference. Above all, he encourages the next generation to uphold humility, integrity, compassion and dedication, noting that the trust of patients and the difference made in their lives matter most.
A Message of Gratitude
Prof. Abbas credits Almighty Allah for giving him the strength, good health and opportunity to serve people living with diabetes and diabetic foot disease for more than three decades. He also acknowledges the guidance of his parents, the support of his mentors and colleagues, and the contributions of researchers, students, nurses, healthcare workers and institutions. He expressed particular gratitude to his wife and children for their patience, understanding and sacrifices throughout his career.
He regards the three recognitions as a tribute to everyone who has shared his commitment to improving the lives of people living with diabetes, rather than as personal achievements alone.
The Khoja News Team congratulates Prof. Dr. Zulfiqarali G. Abbas on these prestigious recognitions. We pray that Allah (swt) continues to bless him with good health, wisdom and success in his ongoing efforts to serve patients and improve healthcare outcomes, Ameen.
