The Philippines
The Philippines
April 2001
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a city of 12 million people. There are about 120 children with diabetes in Metro Manila and the surrounding districts. The three centres looking after these children provide expert teaching but are generally unable to supply insulin, glucometers, testing strips, urine strips, HbA1c tests, or syringes and needles – families need to purchase these. A recent study of children from poor families showed that 40% of children were frequently missing insulin injections due to financial difficulties, and that none were having regular HbA1cs.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the paediatric diabetes centres concerned: the Philippine General Hospital, Philippine Center for Diabetes Education, and the Institute for the Study of Diabetes. Over the next two months we will begin to directly assist the children.
October 2001
The five most needy children at each of the three centres benefiting from the program have been selected. The three centres are the Philippine General Hospital, Philippine Center for Diabetes Education, and the Institute for the Study of Diabetes, all in the Manila area. These fifteen children are being provided with insulin, syringes, glucometers, and other needs.
May 2002
Dr Graham Ogle was able to visit the three centres in Manila that are receiving funds from the Program. These are:
- Philippine General Hospital / University of the Philippines, which receives referrals from all over the country.
- The Philippine Center for Diabetes Education - a unique clinic situated within the prestigious private Makati Medical Center, that cares not only for wealthier families but also many children and adults from impoverished situations.
- The Institute for the Study of Diabetes at the University of East Ramon Magsaysay, which manages many poor patients, and educates health professionals.
Dr Ogle was able to meet most of the sponsored children, and all the diabetes doctors and nurses looking after them, as well a s the HOPE worldwide (Philippines) staff who look after the financial aspects of the program. It was gratifying to see that all aspects of the program are going according to plan.
Lectures are also being held for general practitioners. In November, a diabetes nurse educator from Sydney will visit Fiji for two weeks to educate the children and their families, and train the nurses looking after the children.
January 2003
The clinic at the Philippine General Hospital/University of the Philippines, has organised a family group for the children with diabetes in their care, including children supported on the program. Currently we support 15 children with diabetes in Manila – these children are judged by the three clinics involved to be those in most desperate need of support. We will be able to expand the number of children supported in 2003.
The program has now been operating for three years, and is assisting children in eight countries. We appreciate the ongoing support of sponsors in Australia, the Netherlands, Finland, New Zealand, the USA and other countries, and also various corporations.
February 2004
The children supported in Manila are flourishing. Some of them expressed their appreciation through cards and letters.