The idea to work on this issue stemmed from a personal experience that deeply impacted me. In 2008, I lost my aunt to diabetes-related complications. Witnessing her struggle with diabetes and the lack of medical expertise to detect and manage her condition was a profound and heartbreaking experience for me. This event sparked my curiosity and desire to understand more about diabetes and its impact on individuals and communities. Subsequently, when my father was diagnosed with diabetes, my interest in this field intensified, leading me to pursue a premium course in diabetes and collaborate with the regional government in Makeni.

Throughout my involvement, I have encountered numerous challenges, with one of the most significant being the lack of funding. Many patients from impoverished communities cannot afford proper treatment and dietary requirements. Additionally, the distance between the regional hospital and the Diabetes Clinic poses a financial burden for patients seeking specialized care. The absence of insulin at the hospital has resulted in tragic consequences for many patients, as they are often treated with herbal medications due to the unavailability of insulin. This dire situation has compelled me to personally finance transportation for patients to access the clinic, often at the expense of my own basic needs.

T1International has been instrumental in supporting our cause. They have assisted in developing a compelling letter that was recently sent to the President and the Ministry of Health, advocating for improved diabetes services, particularly for type 1 diabetes patients. Additionally, the materials provided by T1International have proven to be invaluable in our efforts.

One of my proudest achievements thus far has been the lives saved at the Makeni Regional Hospital. My intervention has been critical in rescuing individuals who would have otherwise succumbed to mismanagement of diabetes cases at the hospital. For instance, Mohamed Bah, a type 1 diabetes patient, was wrongly prescribed Metformin at the hospital, and it was my swift action that facilitated his transfer to the diabetes clinic for proper insulin treatment, ultimately saving his life.

Looking ahead, my next step is to establish a dedicated diabetes unit at the Makeni Regional Hospital. This initiative is urgently needed to provide essential testing equipment and comprehensive care for diabetes patients in the region.

I would like the global community to understand the immense challenges faced by individuals living with diabetes in my region. The prevalence of poverty makes it exceedingly difficult for many to afford proper medical care and daily sustenance, resulting in devastating consequences for type 1 diabetes patients. I hope that within my lifetime we will see a world where insulin and diabetes treatment is available and affordable for all, and that there will be no more deaths from a condition like diabetes that is treatable.

Learn more about WE Care Sierra Leone here.