Life for a Child exists – and will continue to exist – until no child dies of diabetes for want of a timely diagnosis, suitable treatment, or ongoing care.
It’s a clear aspiration but the challenges faced by those affected with type 1 diabetes are anything but simple. And this is especially true in under-resourced countries where access to care is limited and the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of the condition can be crushing.
People with type 1 diabetes are unable to make the hormone insulin, which enables the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies. Unless they take insulin every day, they will die within weeks. And if access to insulin is limited or unreliable, they could develop lasting complications such as sight damage or kidney failure.
Type 1 diabetes has no known cause and no known cure. But what we do know is that managing it markedly improves lives. And that by supporting us, you can help to make that difference.
Life for a Child is currently supporting more than 57,700 young people in 48 countries.
We provide essential supplies, including insulin, insulin pens and needles, and blood-glucose monitoring equipment. We produce accessible education materials for children, families and healthcare workers and help to develop the skills of local healthcare professionals. And we undertake research, which helps us – and others – to advocate for positive change.
In all areas, we encourage sustainability by working with already-established clinics and hospitals, as well as some governments. Our ultimate aim is to become redundant. But until then, we’ll stop at nothing to help.
Young People
Countries
Vision statement
No child should die of diabetes.
Our mission
Support the provision of the best possible health care, given local circumstances, to all children and youth (under 26 years of age) with diabetes in less-resourced countries, through the strengthening of existing diabetes services. Conduct international advocacy and clinical research, and where possible help both young adults and also recipient countries with achieving sustainability.
