Iloilo intensifies campaign against juvenile diabetes

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo provincial government is stepping up efforts to combat juvenile or Type 1 diabetes among children, teens, and young adults through early detection, health education, and improved access to essential medical supplies.

On Sept. 11, the Provincial Health Office (PHO), through its Diabetes Mellitus Technical Working Group, held its second meeting to map out strategies for effective screening and management.

According to PHO Development Management Officer III Maria Consolacion Ebrada, the initiative aims to strengthen early identification and support preventive measures to address the condition.

The province also partnered with Humanity & Inclusion (HI), an international nongovernment organization, to develop tools and standard operating procedures that promote self-education among individuals in the 0–25 age group.

HI, which works with vulnerable communities affected by poverty, conflict, and disaster, will also provide insulin, glucose testing kits, and other medical supplies to support diabetes management.

A total of 1,000 beneficiaries from Iloilo are expected to be enrolled in the program.

The PHO said the program aligns with the provincial government’s commitment to improving public health outcomes by investing in preventive care and empowering families to take charge of their well-being.