Learn More about our 5th Symposium on Diabetes in Humanitarian Crises

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INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR DIABETES ACTION

Improving diabetes care in humanitarian settings.

This trial is funded by a grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to the University of Pittsburgh

Photo credit: Paul Odongo,
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

International Alliance for Diabetes Action

Improving diabetes care in humanitarian settings.

Photo credit: Paul Odongo, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

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Diabetes: A crisis within crises

Diabetes is a major cause of death, disability, and suffering worldwide, particularly among people affected by humanitarian crises, such as refugees. 

Humanitarian crises are the perfect storm of vulnerabilities and reduce access to life-saving care and medicines for diabetes.

Despite projections of increases in both diabetes and humanitarian crises, the provision of diabetes care in humanitarian settings remains scarce and poorly coordinated.

Our Mission is

to ensure that everyone living with diabetes in humanitarian settings has access to high-quality, person-centered care.

The IADA secretariat serves as the backbone of the alliance, enabling shared learning and collective action toward this goal.

We envision a world where

no one living with diabetes is left without the care they need in times of crisis.

Real Stories: Living with Diabetes During Crises

Des familles quittent les camps de Lushagala et Bulengo, portant leurs colis
sur le dos et sur la tête. Certains déplacés prennent la route à pied, se disant que ce n’est pas loin
et que c’est mieux que de mourir ici, dans le camp.

5th Symposium on Diabetes in Humanitarian Crises

The 5th Symposium on Diabetes in Humanitarian Crises, took place on October 16–17, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Symposium was hosted by IADA in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Centre for Global Chronic Conditions, and Mass General Brigham, and generously supported by The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.