Every day, children worldwide receive a life-changing diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, but their access to care and supplies varies dramatically based on where they live. For Lía, a young girl from Bolivia, her diagnosis at the age of 12 could have been devastating without proper medical support and resources.
When she began to feel unwell, Lía’s parents took her to the doctor. She was diagnosed with anaemia, given IV fluids and medicine and then went home hoping to feel better. Instead, her condition became rapidly worse. Thankfully, the pastor at Lía’s church recognised her symptoms resembled diabetes. He advised the family to contact the Life for a Child programme’s partner clinic in Cochabamba, Bolivia – Centro Vivir con Diabetes.
Life for a Child transforms these challenging circumstances into stories of hope and survival. This global programme bridges critical gaps in diabetes care, connecting children in underserved communities with life-saving medications, supplies and educational support. Through an extensive network of healthcare providers, innovative technology and sustainable solutions, the initiative demonstrates how coordinated international effort can create lasting change in paediatric diabetes care.
Through an extensive network of healthcare providers, innovative technology and sustainable solutions, the initiative demonstrates how coordinated international effort can create lasting change in paediatric diabetes care.
In 2000, the International Diabetes Federation established Life for a Child in response to the situation facing many young people with type 1 diabetes in under-resourced countries. Since then, the programme has evolved into a transformative force in global diabetes care, currently supporting more than 57,000 young people across 48 countries. In 2018, the programme entered under the auspices of Diabetes Australia New South Wales.
With the vision that no child should die of diabetes, Life for a Child’s mission extends beyond medical support to encompass a holistic approach to diabetes care. Children and adolescents with diabetes receive essential resources, including insulin and supplies. Families and healthcare providers receive education and training resources to raise awareness about diabetes treatment and avoid misdiagnosis. Advocacy actions at community, national and international level endeavour to raise awareness and ensure equitable access to quality diabetes care. Research has informed these advocacy initiatives to identify gaps in access to healthcare and treatment.
Advocacy actions at community, national and international level endeavour to raise awareness and ensure equitable access to quality diabetes care.
Access to diabetes care remains a challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where treatment costs create a significant financial burden for people with diabetes and healthcare systems.
By the time Lía and her family reached the diabetes clinic in Cochabamba, she could no longer walk, and her health had seriously declined. Fortunately, they found the answers they needed when Lia was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. However, this diagnosis presented a new hurdle to overcome because the financial situation in Bolivia and the high cost of insulin bring challenges for families of people with diabetes.
Life for a Child is particularly impactful in regions where diabetes care can consume over half of a household’s income. In LMICs, direct medical costs account for 56% of diabetes-related expenses, while this figure rises to 74% in high-income countries. Many families must make a devastating choice between purchasing life-saving medications and meeting other basic needs.
Lía’s story mirrors thousands of young lives transformed through dedicated diabetes care initiatives worldwide. Life for a Child’s remarkable progress demonstrates effective solutions for complex healthcare challenges. Local healthcare providers, family education programmes and peer support groups work together, building sustainable frameworks for long-term success.
You can support Life for a Child by making a one-time or monthly donation. Donate today to help a young person like Lía manage diabetes and go on to fulfil their ambitions and their potential.
