World Diabetes Day 2025 Commemoration in Zimbabwe: A Celebration of Strength, Minds, and Meaningful Progress

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WDD Group Photo 2025

On 15 November 2025, the Zimbabwean diabetes community gathered at UNICEF Zimbabwe to commemorate World Diabetes Day (WDD) under the global theme “Diabetes & Wellbeing.” Hosted in partnership with UNICEF Zimbabwe and the Lili Grace Foundation, this year’s commemoration became more than an event — it was a reaffirmation of our collective resilience, a celebration of children’s courage, and a bold reminder that diabetes care must always include the mind, the home, and the community.

The hall was filled with children living with type 1 diabetes, parents, clinicians, advocates with lived experience, development partners, and representatives from organizations including Lili Grace Foundation, Solidarmed, UNICEF, Parirenyatwa Hospital, Sally Mugabe Children’s Hospital, and the Zimbabwe Diabetes Association.
From the first moment, the atmosphere radiated warmth, pride, and a shared determination to keep pushing forward for better pediatric diabetes care.

Setting the Tone: Why We Commemorate World Diabetes Day

The program opened with Tinotenda Dzikiti, NCDs Global Advocate and Certified Diabetes Educator, who introduced the theme “Diabetes & Wellbeing” with a series of reflective questions designed to make the room genuinely think:
  • Why do we commemorate World Diabetes Day?
  • Why does the global community pause for this cause?
  • What does wellbeing look like for a child living with diabetes in Zimbabwe?
This gentle but thought-provoking start laid the foundation for a rich afternoon of heartfelt insight, storytelling, and scientific grounding.

A Welcome Rooted in Compassion: Dr. Prisca Matyanga-Mureriwa

Dr. Prisca Matyanga-Mureriwa

Dr. Prisca Mureriwa-Matyanga took to the floor to welcome the Guest of Honour with her signature blend of warmth and firmness. Her message was clear: WDD is a community moment — not a hospital event — and everyone in the room was part of what makes this work possible.

Guest of Honour Address: UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, Fiachra McAsey

UNICEF’s Deputy Country Representative, Fiachra McAsey, delivered an unforgettable address that reminded every child, parent, and clinician why we were gathered. Some standout messages from his speech include:
  • “WDD is not only about awareness — it is about celebrating the resilience of children fighting diabetes every day.”
  • “Diabetes does not define you. You are strong, capable, and full of dreams.”
  • “Wellbeing is more than survival. It lives at home, at school, and in the community.”
His balance of empathy and strength set a hopeful and dignified tone for the day.

Keynote Address: Doris Zijenah-Moyo, Co-Founder of the Lili Grace Foundation 

Doris Zijenah-Moyo, speaking as co-founder of the Lily Grace Foundation, reminded everyone of their mission:

  • To ensure no child feels alone
  • To support parents navigating this demanding journey
  • To build a future where every young person living with diabetes feels seen, educated, supported, and empowered
Her advocacy reflects the foundation’s unwavering commitment to children and families.

Clinical Perspectives: Dr. Ismail Ticklay and Dr. Prisca Mureriwa

Dr. Ticklay

Dr. Ismail Ticklay

The veteran pediatric consultant, Dr. Ticklay, shared moving reflections from his clinic. He spoke about a young patient who now volunteers to counsel other kids — a living example of peer support in action. His message to the children:
“Learn something from those who have walked the journey before you.”

Dr. Mureriwa


Returning to the stage, Dr. Mureriwa reinforced the indispensability of family support. Her clinical update was striking:

  • Average HbA1c in children previously stood between 12–15%
  • Through collective efforts, this has reduced to around 10%
  • The team now sets its sights on an average target of 8%
Her call was strong: With supportive parents, engaged clinics, and sustained partnerships — we will get there.

Wisdom From the Children Themselves

What is a commemoration without hearing from the most important voices in the room — the children?

Some unforgettable quotes:

Children & Young Adults

"I missed some lessons at school, but I never missed my fight. I am more than my sugar levels… and I am not alone.” – Tsitsi Praise Manyangadze

“Each individual’s journey is unique and true.” – Laura

These simple, profound statements captured the essence of the afternoon.

Mental Health Takes Centre Stage: Walter Beta, Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologist, Walter Beta

Perhaps the most transformative part of the day came from Walter Beta, whose presentation, “Healthy Minds for Healthy Bodies,” positioned mental health as the core of sustainable diabetes management.

He covered a powerful range of concepts:

  • Psychological factors influencing diabetes
  • Understanding and managing diabetes distress
  • The realities of burnout
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) models in diabetes
  • Motivation strategies for teenagers
  • Family support and its influence on glycemic outcomes
  • Tools such as breathing exercises, affirmations, and coping strategies

His simple, powerful take-home points:

  • Diabetes affects both the mind and body
  • Distress is normal and treatable
  • Psychological support leads to better glucose outcomes
  • Families and communities are part of the healing journey
  • Small steps build long-term confidence and resilience

Closing quote:

“Diabetes is a daily journey. With understanding, emotional support, and hope, every person can live a full and healthy life.”

Breakout Group Discussions: Raw Honesty, Real Solutions

Participants split into group discussions focusing on:

Young Adults: Heather Koga

1. Becoming Independent

The fear young adults face transitioning to new doctors
Rising costs of supplies
Challenges in relationships and stigma
Navigating medical aids and financial pressure

2. Role as a Caregiver


Parents described providing support, monitoring sugars, managing diet, and observing emotional distress.

3. Emotional Hardships for Children

Children: Yemurai Machirori

Children experience:

  • Injection fatigue
  • Dietary exhaustion
  • Random Blood glucose check burnout
  • Fear, crying, confusion, and emotional overload

Parents identified distress through:

  • Withdrawal
  • Tantrums
  • Sad drawings
  • Emotional instability

4. Communication

Teens: Rufaro Gororo

Positive communication tools:

Encouragement
Space
Hugs
Gentle guidance

Harmful communication:

  • Harshness
  • Shame
  • “Tough love”
  • Punishment
    Boys: T. Nechena; T. Chadika; S. Manyere

Powerful reminders emerged:

  • Emotional validation matters
  • Language must be non-shaming
  • Supportive glucose checks build trust, not fear

Technology in Diabetes: A Journey and a Lens

Tinotenda Dzikiti delivered a concise but impactful session on diabetes technology, sharing:
  • Types of diabetes technology
  • Why tech matters now
  • Impact on self-management
  • Barriers to access
His own lived experience as an Android APS open-source looper

This segment grounded the day in the future — a future where young Zimbabwean children deserve equitable access to the same life-saving tech available worldwide.

Closing Remarks: Dr. Lucia Gumbo, UNICEF Zimbabwe 

Dr. Lucia Gumbo

Dr. Lucia Gumbo wrapped up the ceremony with a heartfelt call to action. She reminded us that:
  • UNICEF stands for every child, truly and practically
  • Diabetes & Wellbeing goes beyond glucose levels
  • Mindset, food, physical activity, and emotional health all matter
  • Children’s voices, poems, and courage are the real compass for our work
  • Each child is unique — and must be supported to live a full, empowered life
Her closing sentiment captured the spirit of the day:
“Diabetes cannot stop you. With proper care and support, you can become whoever you want to be.”

Final Thoughts: A Day of Hope, Truth, and Community Strength

World Diabetes Day 2025 at UNICEF Zimbabwe became a tapestry of voices — children, parents, clinicians, advocates, partners — each thread essential, each message powerful.

We celebrated:

  • Medical progress
  • Mental health
  • Peer support
  • Family resilience
  • The future of diabetes technology
And above all, the unbreakable spirit of children living with diabetes in Zimbabwe

If wellbeing is the theme, then the children themselves were the definition.
And if hope is a journey, then this community is already walking it — together.






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