Season’s Greetings from the A4D team!
As we bid farewell to 2023, in my role as Trustee and Voluntary Chief Medical Advisor, it has been an honour to be a part of significant events achieved throughout this year.
Highlights for A4D this year include the partnerships we have formed throughout the year with organisations who have common objectives and share our values, such as ISPAD, Helmsley Charitable Trust, Life for A Child, and Biocon Biologics just to name a few.
These partnerships along with our collaboration with Eli Lilly & Company to introduce insulin analogues in Laos, work to enhance health outcomes for those with Type 1 Diabetes. We also had a successful launch of our hellotype1.com digital education platform in Bahasa Malaysia, and worked to organise multiple T1D Family Camps with support from Sanofi Global Health Unit in Laos and Cambodia.
On a personal note, I am privileged to have been awarded the prestigious Diabetes UK Arnold Bloom Award for 2023 at the Diabetes UK Professionals Conference. I had the opportunity to deliver the DUK Named Lecture Award and shared the impact of A4D's work. Thank you all for your wonderful support this year, I would really encourage you to read the publication over this festive period which is published in Practical Diabetes journal and is accessible to all freely here. This publication gives a comprehensive understanding of A4D's initiatives in Southeast Asia. We would be delighted to receive your feedback and comments.
Home visits to children and young people on A4D’s Programme in Laos
A4D's mission holds special significance for me as a Paediatric Endocrinologist and Honorary Professor, as our operations are based in my homeland of South-East Asia. The need within the Type 1 Diabetes communities across the six countries where A4D operates is immense, as A4D is the only charity providing guaranteed life-saving insulin, diabetes equipment and education to children and young adults from zero to 25 years old in South East Asia (SEA) since 2015. I am honoured to advocate for our charitable work through education, research, training, advocacy and in guiding the strategic direction of the charity.
As we approach 2024, I eagerly anticipate continuing to "Take on Type 1" with A4D and making a positive impact in the lives of those living with Type 1 Diabetes. Together, we will work tirelessly to close the diabetes gap in SEA, ensuring that every child with T1D has access to the necessary resources and support for a healthier, brighter future.
Professor May Ng , OBE
A4D Trustee and volunteer Chief Medical Advisor
This beautiful piece of art entitled “Christmas” was created by one of the children on our progamme from Myanmar. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at just 5 years old, she is 12 years old today but has seen more hardship than many of us ever will.
Living with her grandparents who have been caring for her since her parents abandoned her, she finds quiet joy in drawing and creating art.
In this season of Christmas let us spare a thought for the children and young people living with Type 1 Diabetes who struggle with access to crucial medical care, insulin and medical supplies, and the right education.
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