The Diabetic Mogul

Zimbabwe NCDs Technical Working Group The first quarter NCD Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting, convened under the leadership of Dr. Mudavanhu, Director of NCDs, and Mr. Nkala, Deputy Director of NCDs at the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) of Zimbabwe, was an extraordinary gathering aimed at advancing the quality of care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the nation. Held in Kadoma, this pivotal meeting brought together medical directors, and development partners including WHO, UNICEF, CBM Global, CHAI, UNFPA, Cordaid, and representatives from NGOs across Zimbabwe's ten provinces. The event provided a critical platform for diverse stakeholders to collaborate, share insights, and develop actionable strategies. As a representative of people living with NCDs, particularly type 1 diabetes, and as a global advocate for NCDs and a voices for PEN-Plus Advocate , I was honored to participate in these robust discussions that addressed the multifaceted challenges and pr...

Duane Pohlman with a T1International poster The story of Argentina’s insulin crisis offers a poignant illustration of the critical importance of domestic pharmaceutical production and the severe consequences of relying too heavily on multinational corporations for essential medicines. In the mid-1960s, Eli Lilly acquired the only insulin manufacturing plant in Argentina, a move that initially promised stability for the nation’s insulin supply. However, the economic turmoil of the 1980s brought unforeseen challenges. The Argentine Case: A Lesson in Vulnerability In 1985, amidst an inflation crisis with rates soaring around 800%, the Argentine government implemented stringent across-the-board price controls, aiming to curb inflation. Eli Lilly sought to exempt insulin from these controls due to its critical nature, but the government declined. In response, Eli Lilly shuttered its plant and exited Argentina, leaving 73,400 people who depended on insulin without a local source. This abrupt...

  On the 15th of May, I had the honor of being invited by DMD Healthcare , in partnership with New Avakash International and Cimas, to attend " Diabetes Management Unlocked: Holistic Presentations on Diabetes Care in Zimbabwe, Options and Opportunities " at Cresta Lodge, Msasa, Harare. This event marked a significant milestone in diabetes care for Zimbabwe, gathering experts and stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions and advancements in managing diabetes. The collaboration between Cimas, New Avakash International, and DMD Healthcare facilitated a vital Continuing Medical Education (CME) session that highlighted the importance of education in improving patient outcomes. One of the most groundbreaking revelations was the introduction of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems and insulin pumps in Zimbabwe. The AiDEX CGM, with its 10-day sensor life and 5-minute reading intervals, and insulin pumps are now available through DMD Healthcare. This development is a game-ch...

In many parts of the world, including Africa, individuals living with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) face a significant challenge: the lack of systematic data collection. This gap not only leaves their needs unaddressed but also undermines the value of their lives. Dr. Tim Evans, Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization, aptly pointed out that where people are not counted, their lives are not valued. This statement underscores the critical importance of comprehensive data collection in understanding and addressing the burden of NCDs, particularly diabetes. For people living with diabetes, this lack of data has profound implications. Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires lifelong management to prevent complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and lower limb amputations. However, without accurate information on the prevalence, treatment, and outcomes of diabetes, it is challenging for healthcare providers to tailor care to individual needs. ...

  Priviledge Laimoni and the End Diabetes Stigma Pledge logo In Zimbabwe, as in many parts of the world, individuals living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) face not only the physical challenges of their conditions but also the harsh realities of stigma and discrimination. This is particularly evident in educational settings, where children with NCDs, such as type 1 diabetes, are often denied enrollment or face barriers to accessing education due to misconceptions and ignorance. This issue is not unique to Zimbabwe; it is a global phenomenon that affects millions of individuals living with NCDs worldwide. The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes ( ISPAD ) has recognized this challenge and has developed guidelines to support the inclusion and well-being of students with diabetes in schools. However, despite these efforts, stigma and discrimination persist, highlighting the need for greater awareness, advocacy, and action to ensure that every child, regard...