Bridging the diabetes care gap for children in emerging markets
A new Access to Medicine Foundation report reveals that less than 10 per cent of children with type 1 diabetes in 71 low- and middle-income countries accessed care in 2023. With global cases expected to reach 2.2 million by 2040, insulin remains out of reach for half who need it. Joining CNBC Africa’s Tabitha Muthoni to discuss solutions and analyse the report’s findings is the CEO, Jayasree K. Iyer.
Fri, 16 May 2025 10:07:18 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- Less than 10 per cent of children with type 1 diabetes in 71 low- and middle-income countries accessed care in 2023, indicating a significant gap in diabetes management.
- Sustainable business models in pharmaceutical companies are essential to ensure long-term affordability and consistent supply of insulin and related products.
- Government policies and public-private investments play a crucial role in bridging the diabetes care gap for children in LMICs by integrating diabetes care into primary healthcare systems and improving access to essential supplies.
A recent report by the Access to Medicine Foundation has shed light on the concerning situation facing children with type 1 diabetes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In 2023, less than 10 per cent of children in 71 LMICs were able to access care, highlighting a significant gap in diabetes management. With global cases projected to reach 2.2 million by 2040, the issue of insulin accessibility remains critical, with half of those in need unable to access this life-saving treatment. To delve deeper into this pressing issue, CNBC Africa's Tabitha Muthoni spoke with CEO Jayasree K. Iyer to discuss solutions and analyze the report's findings. The conversation revealed key barriers to scaling up vital diabetes care programs, the need for sustainable business models in pharmaceutical companies, the impact of weight loss drug investments on diabetes care, and the alignment of the report with the World Health Organization's Global Diabetes Compact. Moreover, the discussion highlighted the importance of government policies and public-private investments in addressing the diabetes care gap for children in LMICs.