Media
Pharma programmes critical for diabetes care in LMICs
14 May 2025
Date
15 May 2025
Diabetes crisis for children in LMICs: new report urges pharma to act beyond donations
Rwanda’s media outlet Taarifa reports on the Access to Medicine Foundation’s new report, which highlights critical gaps in diabetes care for children and young people (CYP) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and identifies opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to expand access.
Direct links
The article discusses the Access to Medicine Foundation’s recent report, which reviews 11 diabetes care initiatives supported by major insulin manufacturers Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and biosimilar producer Biocon. These companies supply most of the insulin used in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where their programmes often provide the only care for children and young people (CYP) with type 1 diabetes.
Key findings reveal that while over half of LMICs have at least one initiative, fewer than 10% of CYP in these regions are being reached. Access to newer insulin products also remains limited due to high costs, and most programmes rely on short-term donations, risking continuity of care.
The article highlights the report’s call for more affordable insulin, sustainable government-led care models, and a shift from reliance on donation-based programmes to establishing sustainable, long-term approaches.
