Iloilo City kids with Type 1 diabetes now get free insulin

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Families with children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in Iloilo City now have free access to insulin, monitoring supplies, and specialized care through the Changing Diabetes in Children program.

The initiative, a public-private partnership led by Novo Nordisk, is being rolled out in Iloilo alongside other areas, including Valenzuela City and parts of the Davao Region.

Launched globally in 2009, the program aims to improve access to life-saving diabetes care for young patients in low- and middle-income countries.

Novo Nordisk is a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company and one of the world’s largest producers of insulin. The Changing Diabetes in Children program operates in more than 30 countries worldwide, providing free insulin and diabetes care to children who would otherwise have limited or no access to treatment.

CDiC Project Manager Kenneth Samaco said the program targets children and youth ages 0 to 25 living with Type 1 diabetes, with Iloilo aiming to cover up to 1,000 beneficiaries by 2028.

“This is just a target. But the messaging is we look into quality over quantity. We would rather hope there is no child fatality from Type 1 diabetes rather than looking into the figures. As long as there are more children that get access to healthcare, that is our major goal,” he emphasized.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in little or no insulin production.

It often develops suddenly in children and young adults and requires lifelong insulin therapy.

In contrast, Type 2 diabetes is typically linked to lifestyle factors and develops more gradually.

Through the program, CDiC will provide comprehensive patient education, strengthen the capacity of local health professionals, establish a network of inclusive clinics or health facilities, and ensure access to free insulin and medical supplies such as glucometers and strips.

Samaco said managing Type 1 diabetes can cost families between PHP 6,300 and PHP 11,100 monthly.

“Just imagine if that family is a minimum wage earner, then they have to spend that huge amount. We do have social services that they can avail themselves of from local government units, but this is not sustainable. There are no unlimited resources,” he stressed.

Beyond financial strain, he added that the condition can disrupt family dynamics and affect children’s well-being.

Some children with Type 1 diabetes also face educational challenges, including bullying, school transfers, or social isolation.

The program was formally launched in Iloilo City on March 17 following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between CDiC and the city government.

Samaco said district health offices have already been identified where children and their families can access CDiC services to ensure easier access.

Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said the initiative aligns with the city’s push to prioritize healthcare and upgrade local health services.

“This project is very timely because we are upgrading our healthcare system. Right now, we are trying to upgrade two district health centers into a primary health care facility […] This project is one of the pilot projects that will set a mark in our district health centers,” she emphasized.

The program supports the city’s broader efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services and improve outcomes for children with chronic conditions, particularly those from underserved communities.