The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that emergency relief is provided to people living with diabetes in the country and others that have been forced to take refuge in neighbouring countries.

According to the latest IDF estimates, over 2.3 million adults are living with diabetes in Ukraine and 15,000 children and adolescents are affected by type 1 diabetes.

Since the start of the crisis, IDF Transnational Member Direct Relief has mobilised its resources to support medical needs in the country as they become known. Direct Relief has shipped $26 million in medical aid to Ukraine over the past six months, with the most recent support arriving last week containing $5.4 million in medical aid for a Ukrainian NGO that serves hospitals, ambulance stations and medical centers. A large shipment of diabetes supplies has also arrived as insulin and other cold chain medications are expected to be in short supply.

IDF will continue to monitor the crisis and collaborate with Direct Relief to fulfill medical needs as it unfolds. If you would like to support the efforts of Direct Relief, financial donations can be made here. (Click on “Direct my donation to” and select “Ukraine crisis”).