The Iloilo City Government and Changing Diabetes in Children formalized a partnership to improve access to inclusive health services for children and young people with Type 1 Diabetes with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on March 17.
“This project is very timely because we are upgrading our healthcare system. Right now, we are upgrading our district health centers into primary healthcare facilities,” said Mayor Raisa, emphasizing that the city is grateful for partnerships like this, which help maximize access to medicine and health services for city residents.
“This pilot project will really set a mark in our district centers,” she added.
Project activities include the creation of a multisectoral working group; the development and implementation of a registry system; the provision of insulin and glucose testing kits to enrolled participants; the localization of patient education and awareness-raising tools; the training of health service providers; the conduct of diabetes camps; the establishment of health service provider networks; and community engagement for health promotion, including information on how to access services.
Handicap International Federation will provide technical support, training, and program coordination; NN Philippines will supply insulin and support capacity-building on proper handling; Roche will provide glucose monitoring devices and related training; and the Iloilo City LGU will lead local implementation, service delivery, and patient monitoring.
Joining the ceremonial signing were Mr. Kenneth Samaco, Project Manager of Changing Diabetes in Children, and Dr. Jennifer Castro, Assistant Department Head of the Iloilo City Health Office.
“If they are capacitated, they can manage diabetes on their own,” said Samaco, citing the real-life struggles of children in school, physical activities, and overall quality of life.
This collaboration aims to ensure early detection, continuous treatment, and sustainable diabetes care to improve health outcomes and quality of life for affected children and families through 2028.