Global Advocacy Network

About the Global Advocacy Network

People living with diabetes face different issues all around the world. T1International aims to give advocates the tools they need to push for change in their communities. We coordinate a Global Advocacy Network of like-minded advocates fighting for change around the world.

T1International Global Advocates, Advocacy Chapters, and Advocacy Partners identify the issues in their country that they want to work on and develop action plans to make change. T1International supports our Global Advocacy Network through that process, and brings advocates together to share and learn and fight for collective change.

Global Priority 2022-2025

In 2022, the Global Advocacy Network voted on a collective global priority to work towards: Average combined monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin and blood glucose testing supplies represents no more than 5% of median income in any given country for people with diabetes by 2025.

Global Advocates

Lejla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

'' I have had type 1 diabetes for 6 years now. The healthcare system in my country is broken and corrupt. People are unaware of diabetes and its costs, and we don’t have enough care, medical professionals, or supplies to live a normal life. Even though making change is hard, we as a community need to unite. If we don’t fight for our rights – no one else will.''

Marian, Mexico

''I am eager to make a difference in my country, Mexico, for people living with type 1 diabetes because I believe that everyone deserves a good quality of life. I have lived with type 1 diabetes since April of 2006. I am an ESL & Preschool teacher with a degree in Childhood Development and Neurodevelopment, currently studying for a degree in Diabetes Education.''

Cyrine, Lebanon

''I have lived with type 1 diabetes many years and had to make so many decisions and life choices just to afford insulin. I believe that access to insulin is a human right, so I started my journey as positiveonglucose, a blog and a safe space for diabetics. I discovered T1International, who empowered and equipped me with the tools to push forward rights that are mine, yours, and the world's!''

Johnpeter, Tanzania

''Living in Tanzania with type 1 diabetes I know how people with type 1 diabetes here are experiencing life and challenges. This will allow us to help those who are facing the same challenges in other areas. I want many people to understand type 1, and with the help of T1International we can make sure many people understand and are supported.''

Yemurai, Zimbabwe

''I have been living with diabetes since 2004 and I am passionate about access and affordability of insulin and diabetes supplies, especially for children with diabetes. I strongly believes that no child should die of diabetes and that no parent/child should have to give up their dreams because they cannot afford to give their child life.”

Dani, Costa Rica

''I have lived with type 1 diabetes for 27 years. I am a psychologist and diabetes educator who supports people with chronic illnesses with their physical health and also mental and emotional health. I strongly believe that people living with type one diabetes have a right to feel safe, healthy and happy in their own skin. I'm excited to continue to advocate with T1International in Costa Rica, Latin America and the world.''

Christina, Sweden

“I am a general practice doctor based in Stockholm who has had T1D since 1996. I came to advocacy a few years ago, after a trip to visit my daughter studying medicine in Cameroon. I met a young man with type 1 who couldn’t afford to live. I hope to educate others about the challenges that people with diabetes face in places where the healthcare system is not as comprehensive as it is in my country.”

Eleanor, UK

"My journey with type 1 diabetes started when I was diagnosed at the age of 13. While being a student and travelling the world, I realised barriers to insulin accessibility and the issues it causes. I feel privileged to live in a country where insulin is readily available, and I am advocating with T1International so that this becomes a global standard and fellow diabetics can lead healthy, fulfilled lives.

Global Advocacy Chapters

Zimbabwe

More About the Chapter

Canada

More About the Chapter

India

More About the Chapter

MENA

More About the Chapter

Global Advocacy Partners

T1International’s Advocacy Partners are organisations that already have established structures, goals and missions. Advocacy partners gain advocacy support from T1International and work together with the organisation on specific issues and campaigns.

Our current Global Advocacy Partners include:

Pamoja Advocacy Project Partner:

Sonia Nabeta Foundation - Uganda and Africa

Learn More & Apply

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Global Advocacy Alumni

Laura, Bolivia

''If you have diabetes in Bolivia, you have to be lucky to life a full, healthy life. Being part of T1International filled me with a lot of hope and commitment. I met very incredible people who are fighting to change things, and I learned that together we can raise our voice around the world so that everyone knows that we are not alone.''

Katarina, Germany

"I have been a diabetes activist for a long time, and am a Medical Doctor who has worked in a refugee health unit providing aid to more than 64,000 refugees. I think that empowering young people and fighting for global access to insulin are some of the most important things we can do as a diabetes community, and I'm grateful I have been able to do that along with T1International."

Yaa, Ghana

''Being a T1International Global Advocate gave me information and support to carry out my advocacy plans while expanding my network. I am excited to continue advocating with T1International as the Global Partner Representative for Diabetes Youth Care, a non-profit in Ghana that supports children with type 1 diabetes to better manage their condition, both medically and financially.''

Apoorva, India

"I started my journey with T1International with a passion to ensure affordable healthcare and psychosocial support for people living with diabetes. Years later, I have gained so much experience from being a Global Advocate and working collaboratively with incredible people fighting for change. I am excited to continue working with T1International as a member of India #insulin4all."