Manila, Feb 2024 — In a momentous step forward for healthcare in the Philippines, Action4Diabetes (A4D), Life for a Child (LFAC), Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation Inc (ISDFI), Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism (PCEDM), and Philippine Society of Pediatric Metabolism and Endocrinology (PSPME) have joined hands in a ground-breaking collaboration generously funded by The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Helmsley is dedicated to helping the global Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) community live safer, better and more fulfilling lives. This strategic alliance aims to do just that by transforming T1D care across the Philippines, with an emphasis on clinical and outcomes management, education and awareness, and health capacity building.
At the heart of this collaboration is a commitment to improving health outcomes for those living with T1D in the Philippines, and it begins with the basic building block of providing life-saving medication and regular blood glucose monitoring supplies. With their expertise and network, LFAC will help by securing and providing the necessary medical supplies such as insulin, blood glucose testing kits and other relevant tool kits for A4D’s Clinic Support Programme to
take-off in the Philippines. The success of this collaboration relies heavily on the comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the T1D landscape and medical care in the Philippines, which is bolstered by the collective expertise of the other three partners in this quintessential collaboration - ISDFI, PCEDM, and PSPME. Furthermore, the strength of their local network will play a pivotal role in enhancing our effectiveness and impact in tackling the challenges of T1D management within the country.
A4D’s Clinic Support Programme also includes elements like additional support initiatives, from assisting with transportation to hospitals to providing nutritious food for malnourished children with T1D. In the medium to long term, this initiative also aims to ensure a seamless transition from paediatric to adult care, addressing a critical aspect of T1D management that is often overlooked. In addition, the collaboration will work on systematic monitoring and effective management of T1D health outcomes.
Empowering individuals living with T1D, their families, and their caregivers with T1D education can make a huge difference in health outcomes, another important objective of this collaboration. For example, through A4D’s HelloType1 programme, T1D education is localised and translated into the most common local language, Tagalog. The partners of the T1D Task Force will actively contribute to this programme via periodic review and technical advice to ensure the highest quality content on this platform. Regular T1D Family Camps will also be organised to create an environment where individuals with T1D and their caregivers can share experiences, learn from experts, and build a robust support network. This helps build peer-to-peer support and fosters community building for those living with T1D. The endorsement of these programmes by our local partners, ISDFI, PCEDM and PSPME will go a long way in ensuring the take-up and success of HelloType1 and the T1D Family Camps.
Another aspect of this collaboration is the commitment to enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in T1D care. Comprehensive training opportunities, both online and through in-person sessions, will be provided, equipping HCPs with the latest knowledge and skills to deliver optimal care.
Beyond this, the T1D Task Force will also engage in T1D epidemiological research, contributing to scientific publications and advancing the understanding of the condition. The partners will contribute to the development of a regional network connecting HCPs across South-East Asia. This network aims to foster knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices, collectively improving T1D care in the broader region.
This unprecedented 5-party collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in the fight against Type 1 Diabetes in the Philippines. By combining the strengths of A4D, LFAC, ISDFI, PCEDM, and PSPME, the collaboration aspires to create a comprehensive and sustainable framework that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals with T1D. As the initiative takes shape, it holds the promise of transforming T1D care and shaping a brighter future for those living with this condition in the Philippines and beyond.