Islamabad: In a country where over 18,000 children and young people have died in the past two decades due to complications of Type 1 Diabetes—largely from lack of access to insulin—a new partnership between a local pharmaceutical firm and a non-profit organization was announced on Thursday to save the lives of children with Type 1 Diabetes.
Pakistan’s largest local pharmaceutical company, and the only one producing insulin domestically, Getz Pharma has joined hands with Meethi Zindagi to provide free insulin to 250 children across the country for the rest of their lives.
The commitment was formalized at an MoU signing ceremony held at a local hotel, attended by senior officials from both organizations, children with T1D, and their parents. The event featured engaging activities such as face painting and storytelling, where children bravely shared their journeys of living with diabetes.
“There are around 26,000 children and young people living with Type 1 Diabetes in Pakistan, but only about 8,000 receive free insulin,” said Dr. Sana Ajmal, founder and executive director of Meethi Zindagi. “With this support, we are expanding our reach to 1,550 children—across more than 130 cities from Tharparkar to Dera Bugti—by including 250 more in our program,” she added.
Dr. Sana, herself a T1D patient, launched Meethi Zindagi in 2017 to help families like hers who struggled to afford insulin. Besides free insulin, the nonprofit also provides peer support, medical consultations, and psychological help. “Insulin is a right, not a privilege,” she emphasized. “It should be available at the doorstep of every child who needs it.”
According to the agreement, the pharmaceutical company will supply insulin on a quarterly basis, based on dose requirements provided by Meethi Zindagi. The nonprofit will identify beneficiaries, ensure proper storage and distribution, and provide quarterly progress reports.
Dr. Wajiha Javed, Associate Director Public Health at the Getz Pharma, said the partnership reflects their commitment to both quality medicine and sustainable advocacy. “It is unacceptable that 18,000 children have died simply because they couldn’t access insulin,” she said. “Our commitment goes beyond supply—we are also helping to build support networks, raise awareness for early diagnosis, and promote nutrition programs.”
She added that during past insulin shortages and crises, the company ensured uninterrupted local production and supply—even in remote areas like Parachinar—and extended critical support to institutions like the Children’s Hospital and the National Institute of Child Health.
Beyond insulin access, the company is leading broader patient-focused efforts to transform diabetes care in Pakistan. These include investments in research, public awareness campaigns, community screenings, early diagnosis initiatives, and education for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers—supported by a dedicated national field force.
The initiative also empowers children through school-based programs aimed at building healthier habits and informed communities. “This collaboration is just the beginning,” Dr. Wajiha said. “We want to ensure no child is denied a future because they can’t afford a vial of insulin.”
As the event closed, there was a sense of hope in the air—a hope that with such partnerships, Pakistan can move closer to a future where no child dies from a disease that is entirely manageable with timely access to care.