New Partnership Offers Lifeline to Pakistani Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Islamabad – A newly announced partnership between Pakistani pharmaceutical company *Gates Pharma* and non-profit organization *Meethi Zindagi* is set to provide life-saving insulin to 250 children living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) across Pakistan, raising hopes for hundreds of vulnerable lives.
The initiative comes amid alarming statistics revealed by the **T1D Index**, a global data platform developed by JDRF and the International Diabetes Federation, which estimates that the average life expectancy of a child with T1D in Pakistan is only **11 years**. However, with timely diagnosis and consistent insulin access, that life span can be extended to **41 years**.
Experts say more than **18,100 children and young people** in Pakistan have died over the past two decades due to T1D complications—primarily due to lack of insulin or delayed diagnosis.
To address this crisis, Gates Pharma will now provide **lifetime insulin supplies** for 250 children, expanding Meethi Zindagi’s reach to **1,550 children in over 130 cities**, including remote areas like Tharparkar and Dera Bugti.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Islamabad, **Dr. Sana Ajmal**, founder and executive director of Meethi Zindagi—and herself a person living with T1D—called the initiative “a response to a national emergency.” She emphasized that insulin is not a luxury but a **lifeline**, and should be available at the doorstep of every child who needs it.
“In addition to insulin, we offer psychological support, medical guidance, and opportunities for peer connection,” she said, highlighting the holistic support provided by the organization.
Under the agreement, Gates Pharma will supply insulin every three months, while Meethi Zindagi will handle patient identification, safe distribution, and outcome reporting.
**Dr. Wajiha Javed**, Associate Director of Public Health at Gates Pharma, remarked, “It’s unacceptable that children are dying just because they can’t access insulin. We’re not just donating medicine—we’re building a support system.”
According to the T1D Index, Pakistan loses over **110,000 healthy life years annually** due to premature deaths and disability caused by T1D. Experts believe these losses are entirely preventable through timely care.
The event concluded with emotional testimonies from parents and children, who expressed a sense of renewed hope, while children took part in drawing activities to share their stories and dreams.
