Standing With Our T1D Community in Myanmar: A4D’s Ongoing Response to the Earthquake

March 28, 2025, a devastating earthquake struck central Myanmar, bringing destruction and fear across the regions of Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, and Sagaing. Homes and hospitals collapsed. Roads became impassable. Families were displaced overnight, left to sleep outdoors in extreme heat and thunderstorms, with limited access to clean water, food, or medical care.

For children and young people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), the crisis was even more urgent. Without insulin, T1D becomes life-threatening within just days.

At Action4Diabetes (A4D), we work to close the gaps in T1D care for children and young people across South-East Asia. Myanmar is one of the countries where we operate — and when the earthquake struck, we knew we had to act quickly.

In the earliest days, our local teams and partners began identifying those most in need. Despite damaged infrastructure and limited communications, we have been able to get in touch with over 84% of the children and young people on our programme in the affected region, and we are working to deliver insulin as well vital medical supplies to them. It has not been quick or easy, but we are working hard to close that gap.

Our aim now is to ensure a stable supply of insulin in the country — enough to last at least 9–12 months — so that no one is left vulnerable in the event of future emergency or crisis.

In April, A4D mobilised the distribution of care packs containing essential food supplies to T1Ds and their families. This critical initiative was made possible through a partnership with Myanmar supermarket chain – City Mart Holdings and their CSR arm, City Love & Hope Foundation to prepare care packs with food essentials.

Distribution of these care packs was made possible through our collaboration with our long-time partner Zuellig Pharma, whose support through their expertise and network in healthcare solutions helped us reach T1Ds across the affected region.

“Being able to act quickly with A4D on the ground has been essential to reaching those most in need,” said Kevin Coehrs, Managing Director of Zuellig Pharma Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. “We are proud to be able to contribute to this effort and stand by our shared commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.”

Thanks to this collaboration, we were able to prepare and distribute care packs, reaching T1Ds and their families who have lost nearly everything. It’s a testament to the power of long-term partnerships, and what can be achieved when missions align.

We also recognise that care in such a time doesn’t end with meeting physical needs. Last week, A4D hosted a “Train the Trainer” session to address the psychological toll of this disaster on the T1Ds and their families. Led by Dr Dominic Bray, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, and moderated by Professor May Ng OBE, A4D Trustee and Chief Medical Advisor, the session brought together healthcare professionals from across Myanmar. They shared stories of children living with trauma, anxiety, and grief — many managing T1D while coping with the aftermath of loss and destruction.

In a country where access to mental health support is minimal or non-existent, this session introduced solution-focused practices that equip local health workers with practical tools to offer trauma-informed, compassionate care. It was a small but vital step toward holistic support for theT1D community in Myanmar

There is still much to do, but we are encouraged by the strength and resilience we see in our community — and by the generosity of those who support us, with a special mention to Embecta for their generous contribution to sustain our aid and relief efforts in Myanmar.

Your support means their survival. Your charity brings them hope. Thank you for #takingontype1 with A4D and standing with those on our programme.