Vice President of the International Diabetes Federation, Erum Ghafoor, has revealed that over 24,000 children and youth under the age of 25 in Pakistan are living with Type 1 diabetes. Without access to insulin, their lives remain at serious risk.
To support these children, 27 dedicated clinics have been established across the country, offering free treatment under the global Changing Diabetes in Children program, which operates in 32 countries. So far, 3,300 children in Pakistan have been registered, receiving free insulin, glucometers, pen devices, needles, and testing strips.
Speaking to the media at the Karachi Press Club after a luncheon held in her honor by the Health Committee, Erum Ghafoor shared that she herself was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 14. “I turned my diagnosis into strength, not weakness,” she said, adding, “I understand the pain children go through — that’s why I was entrusted with this project.”
The initiative aimed to establish 40 clinics by 2025; 27 are already operational — including 7 in Sindh and 9 in Punjab. The project’s timeline has now been extended to 2030, with a new goal to reach 6,000 children.
She urged parents to consult a doctor if their child frequently experiences stomach pain, excessive urination, thirst, vomiting, bad breath, or fatigue — all possible symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition that should not be ignored.
The event was attended by Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili, Joint Secretary Muhammad Munsif, Health Committee Secretary Hamid-ur-Rehman, and other senior journalists. Erum Ghafoor was presented with a traditional Ajrak and a shield in recognition of her achievements.
Notably, Erum Ghafoor is the first Pakistani and the first woman to be elected Vice President of the International Diabetes Federation, winning 112 votes from over 270 member associations worldwide.
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