In Boston, Massachusetts, advocates marched around the offices of the Big Three insulin manufacturers, bringing vials of insulin filled with powerful words and the names of their loved ones. Brittany McWilliams, Massachusetts #insulin4all Chapter Leader, led the “Triangle of Evil” takeover in Cambridge, Massachusetts, kicking off the event with a call to attendees to raise their collective voices. “We’re here today to pressure Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi — the big three insulin manufacturers — to lower the cost of their insulins, especially in those low and middle income countries that have been devastated by colonialism and exploitation for decades.”

In Paris, France, Advocacy Partner Diabète et Méchant called on Sanofi to take action on insulin access and affordability. “For the last 25 years, Sanofi has played a major role in the rise of the price of insulin,” said Bertrand Burgalat of Diabéte et Mèchant, a Global Advocacy Partner of T1International. “Hence, it is very important for us to confront them.” In Paris, Diabéte et Mèchant delivered a petition with thousands of signatures calling on Sanofi to lower insulin prices, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Petitions were also delivered to Eli Lilly based in Indiana, and to Novo Nordisk based in Denmark.

In Islamabad, Pakistan, Advocacy Partner Meethi Zindagi organized a roundtable about the urgent need for insulin with decision-makers. T1International’s Global Advocacy Partner Meethi Zindagi’s Executive Director, Sana Ajmal, said, “In Pakistan, we are experiencing critical challenges of insulin availability and shortages are particularly alarming for individuals with type 1 diabetes, like myself. On the Global Day of Action for #insulin4all, key stakeholders including the government policymakers, regulatory bodies, pharma industry, and the society joined hands together to come up with short-, medium-, and long-term solutions to the insulin availability crisis. It’s a testament of national desire to reach solutions acceptable to all stakeholders in a positive, solution focused manner.”

In New Delhi, India, Advocacy Partner Diabetes Fighters Trust performed a dance for #insulin4all and shared letters calling for insulin access and affordability. Khushi Ahuja led the dance performance and social media campaign and was joined by advocates across the country who submitted letters to the Prime Minister in their local language. “We want the decision makers to know that we exist and we want them to know our concerns and problems,” said Mehak Dhingra.

In Indianapolis, Indiana, #insulin4all advocates took to public spaces to demand Eli Lilly lower insulin prices. Janelle Lutgen, the Iowa #insulin4all Chapter Leader, shared her story about her son Jesse who passed away in 2018 due to insulin rationing. “Why is a product that costs under $10 to make, $300 a vial? Why would anyone pad their wallets at the expense of someone struggling with an incurable disease? Why did my son have to die so someone could live in an expensive home, drive an expensive car, and take expensive trips?” Janelle is also a part of Families United for Affordable Insulin, a group that provides outreach, counsel and guidance for families grieving the loss of loved ones impacted by the insulin price crisis, and promotes affordable insulin for all who need it.

In Washington, DC, #insulin4all advocates demonstrated in front of the capitol building, calling on Congress to act on insulin pricing. Metro DC #insulin4all Chapter Leader Kristine P. underlined the importance of insulin access and affordability measures: “We should not have to rely on these handouts. We need policy change.”