Note: This page will be updated as communications and news from Ukraine become available. This resource was created in partnership with JDRF through the JDRF – Beyond Type 1 Alliance.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION?
Approximately 130,000 people with type 1 diabetes and over 2.3 million with type 2 diabetes in Ukraine now face inconsistent access to insulin, supplies, medical professionals and diabetes care. Many of the estimated 15 to 20,000 children with type 1 and their families are fleeing westward to the borders in hopes of escaping into other countries as refugees.
We have learned that the current insulin supplies in Ukraine vary by region. Some pharmacies have enough to supply people for three months. This is not the case for the eastern part of the country bordering Russia, where pharmacies may be down to a few days’ worth of supplies.
Ukraine recently upgraded to a computerized prescription program. However, due to the instability of the electrical grid, access to the electronic prescription system is currently not functional. Those in the country are trying to work on ways to obtain paper prescriptions to access insulin and other supplies, but not everyone can access their medical teams and not all pharmacies are open.
Most supplies and insulin will be brought into Ukraine through non-governmental organizations as part of sanctioned humanitarian efforts, including a comprehensive coordination effort between Direct Relief, International Diabetes Federation (IDF), IDF- Europe and the Ukrainian Ministry of Health.
Direct Relief has stated: “As recently as last week, a large Direct Relief shipment of diabetes supplies arrived in the country.” While this is positive news for the immediate needs for insulin and supplies in Ukraine, any extension of this conflict beyond a few weeks will cause life-threatening issues for those with diabetes.
HOW CAN I HELP RIGHT NOW?
All individuals with diabetes in Ukraine impacted by the war will need extensive assistance, whether they are trapped in their current locations, traveling to safer areas within the country, or crossing the borders into Poland, Romania, Moldova, Slovakia, and Hungary.
Beyond Type 1 has been working with other global organizations, including IDF and WHO, sharing how best our community can help. Based on the latest information we have obtained, we encourage our diabetes community to focus their efforts and donations through established, recognized non-governmental and non-profit organizations.
INDIVIDUAL SHIPMENTS OF INSULIN AND DIABETES SUPPLIES TO UKRAINE
Please do not attempt to ship supplies or insulin directly into Ukraine, as most normal shipping avenues have been blocked or restricted. All air travel in and out of Ukraine has been suspended due to military activity. The Ukrainian government is doing what it can to assist humanitarian supply convoys at the borders, but it is difficult with multiple checkpoints and military activity preventing shipments from arriving.
We recognize that you may see individuals or organizations on social media asking for insulin or supplies to ship into Ukraine or into surrounding countries where refugees may go. While it is heartbreaking to see these requests, the best way to help these individuals at this time is to provide them with internal country resources to connect them with the closest medical clinic to get what they need.
According to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine: “All healthcare institutions continue providing medical care under martial law.” Individuals in Ukraine can call the ministry’s hotline at 0 800 50 52 01 to determine the closest open medical clinic.
DIABETES-SPECIFIC FINANCIAL DONATIONS
DIRECT RELIEF
Direct Relief is actively working to bring needed medical supplies into the country, with a large shipment of diabetes supplies arriving before the invasion by Russia. However, in a recent statement: “Insulin and other cold chain medications are expected to be in short supply…”
The International Diabetes Federation asks those who wish to help people with diabetes in Ukraine to donate to Direct Relief and direct your donation when requesting to “Ukraine Crisis.”
SPARE A ROSE FOR UKRAINE
Spare a Rose for Ukraine will run throughout March, with all donations earmarked to support people with diabetes in and out of Ukraine. Monetary donations will be directed to Insulin for Life, a registered charity with over two decades of experience providing insulin and diabetes supplies to under-resourced countries and responding to emergencies.
GENERAL MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FINANCIAL DONATIONS
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS/MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES (MSF)
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is mobilizing in the surrounding countries to assist those crossing borders with emergency medical response camps. They are also attempting to help transport needed medical supplies across the border into Ukraine. Click here to learn more about their activities to help those within the country and those attempting to leave.
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS (ICRC)
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is currently helping Ukrainian medical clinics with needed equipment and supplies while simultaneously providing food and hygiene items to families.
REFUGEE ASSISTANCE FINANCIAL DONATIONS
UNHCR/THE UN REFUGEE AGENCY
UNHCR/The UN Refugee Agency is not just monitoring and providing data but actively assisting those who need immediate assistance. As of March 1, over 660,000 refugees have left Ukraine, with more expected as the war continues, with detailed information regarding each refugee-accepting country bordering Ukraine here.
However, many others remain inside the country, unable to leave. UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo stated: “UNHCR is also ramping up its response in Ukraine to help displaced and conflict-affected people. But the volatile situation, security concerns, lack of safe access for humanitarian workers and movement restrictions are posing major challenges for aid workers, including UNHCR staff.”
DIABETES SUPPLIES DONATIONS – INSULIN FOR LIFE USA
While individual diabetes supplies donations cannot go directly to Ukraine, you can still help someone in the global diabetes community. Insulin For Life USA will accept several diabetes supplies and distribute them in several areas, including North America, South America, and parts of Africa. Donate insulin and other diabetes supplies by clicking here.