Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a condition for which a well-structured, holistic, healthcare system can endow those afflicted with long, healthy and productive lives. In Africa, however, many countries are unable to provide basic healthcare services for citizens living with T1D.
Children from low income households are the most vulnerable. Mortality is still very high due to several factors such as lack of awareness, insulin insecurity, and the hefty cost of treatment. Many die undiagnosed and worse still, diagnosis does not ensure survival. Stigma towards those afflicted is all too common. It is not uncommon for children diagnosed with T1D to be disowned by their parents and left to die. Some are removed from school since the hard logic of poverty is that it would be a waste of family resources to educate a child with a presumed low life expectancy. Yet still, children that do grow into adulthood are often burdened with complications due to poor glycemic control.
Successful management of T1D requires access to insulin and other relevant medical supplies; vigilant monitoring of glycemic levels; and access to a multidisciplinary team that not only includes medical doctors but also relevant such as dietitians and psychologists – onerous demands for already overburdened healthcare systems in Africa. As such, other partners and actors are needed to improve the T1D healthcare systems across the continent.
Provide blood sugar monitoring devices, test strips, HbA1c monitoring and other essential tests/supplies.
Host holistic wellness camps that integrate the mind, body and spirit into the T1D care and management regime.
Sponsor awareness campaigns, diagnosis drives and healthcare worker training to reduce deaths from lack of awareness and/or diagnosis.
Advocate for T1D to be part of standard emergency and non-emergency protocols at all general hospitals.
Children are our future and should be given every opportunity to grow and prosper.
Through the Sonia Nabeta Foundation, you can help!
Helps a child get 3 HbA1c, Creatinine and Lipid profiles a year.
Gives a child a glucometer and batteries for 5 years.
Gives a child a one year supply of syringes and lancets.
Gives a child a one year supply of blood glucose test strips.
Type 1 Diabetes should never get in the way of a child's dreams
Entebbe, Uganda
August, 2024
Jinja, Uganda
November, 2024
Mbarara, Uganda
December, 2024
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