World Diabetes Day
by Anera
Posted in: Days of Observance
Recognized by the United Nations in 2006, every year the world marks World Diabetes Day on November 14. #WorldDiabetesDay
2025
This World Diabetes Day, we recognize the importance of access to medical care in Gaza and the West Bank.
Amid the devastation of the conflict in Gaza, many residents face a compounded risk, struggling with not only the impacts of the war, but also with untreated chronic illness. Diabetes is extremely prevalent in the West Bank and Gaza, affecting more than 15 percent of Palestine’s population compared to a worldwide average of six percent. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, as of 2024, more than 71,000 people live with diabetes in Gaza.
Due to blockades and restrictions on aid and supplies, Gaza suffers from a critical shortage of life-saving medicines, including insulin. The devastation affecting Gaza’s health infrastructure has put thousands of people in Gaza at risk of uncontrolled diabetes, which can lead to potentially fatal health complications like kidney failure, stroke and heart disease.
Delivering medical aid to help ensure that even the most vulnerable receive proper healthcare remains one of Anera’s core missions. With the support of our medical donation partners, we distribute vital medical treatments and treat patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes at our and partner clinics. Each year, Anera distributes millions of dollars worth of chronic medicines, hospital equipment, over-the-counter-drugs, and health care supplies that vulnerable communities would otherwise lack.
Our non-communicable disease clinics in Gaza provide primary healthcare services to displaced people suffering from chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension. These clinics bring screenings, counseling services, and chronic medications at a time when many patients are otherwise unable to obtain their medications or consult with a doctor at the few remaining operating hospitals.
The medicines and other healthcare services provided at our clinics are made possible by our generous medical donation partners. Support our life-saving medical treatment programs by making a donation today.
Today is World Diabetes Day.
For years, Anera has worked to ensure that people in underserved communities, including those living with diabetes in Palestine, have access to essential medications.
This fall, thanks to generous donations from DirectRelief and Americares, Anera provided diabetes medications to patients across the West Bank for three months. The impact has been remarkable: 94% of patients saw improved fasting blood sugar and A1C levels after consistent treatment and monitoring.
So far this year, our team has distributed 42,647 antidiabetic treatments throughout the West Bank, helping thousands manage their diabetes and live healthier lives.
2024
This year on World Diabetes Day, Anera holds in our hearts the millions around the world – including in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan – without access to insulin and other needed healthcare.
Those who suffer from chronic illnesses, like diabetes, are particularly vulnerable during times of conflict when healthcare services are frequently disrupted. Throughout the past year, as warfare has engulfed the region, Anera and our partners have delivered shipments to Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan to make diabetic treatments more accessible.
The prevalence of diabetes is an important marker of public health, and the outcomes for those who live with the condition are an indicator of the strength of health systems. Left untreated, significant, serious health concerns arise. Two-thirds of patients suffer from symptoms like heart, kidney, and arterial disease. Serious complications can result in the loss of limbs and blindness.
Facilitating access to medicine for people with disabilities is crucial. Since last November, with the support of partners like Direct Relief, Americares, and International Health Partners, Anera has delivered numerous shipments of antidiabetic medications, valued at millions of dollars, across Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon. The medicines are in turn provided to patients free of charge.
In Gaza, people have been living in a warzone for over a year. Almost everyone has been forced to flee their homes. Israeli forces have decimated the healthcare system, with the result that no hospitals in Gaza are fully functioning. Nonetheless, healthcare workers valiantly continue to provide care where possible.
Over the last year in Gaza, Anera has delivered seven shipments containing 42,517 treatments to patients at 14 health centers in Khan Younis, Gaza City, and Deir Al Balah. Among these treatments, is a new-generation antidiabetic medication called sitagliptin that is highly effective but far too costly for most Palestinian patients to afford.
In the West Bank, we’ve provided nine partner health facilities from Jenin to Hebron with four shipments of medicines, delivering 63,290 treatments in total. And another large shipment is currently in the works. This medical aid is life-changing for those it reaches, as the high cost of antidiabetic medications often limits access for patients in the West Bank. These shipments help healthcare centers maintain a steady supply of essential medicines for the most vulnerable patients.
In Lebanon, where many residents are now displaced from their homes, and many more are burdened by medical debt – often having to choose between paying for medicine or food – Anera has delivered six shipments in the last year of antidiabetic medicines and insulin, totaling 92,684 treatments, as well as blood-glucose monitoring meters and glucose-meter strips.
In Jordan, we delivered 46,050 treatments of metformin to four of our local partners serving Palestinian and Syrian refugees, as well as vulnerable Jordanians. This medication is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. The treatments we available to patients across Jordan, with particular emphasis on Palestinian camps.
This World Diabetes Day, Anera reaffirms our commitment to supporting vulnerable communities living with diabetes in conflict zones. Access to consistent treatment and essential medicines like insulin is a matter of life and death for those affected. Despite unbelievable challenges, Anera and our partners are delivering critical antidiabetic medications and supplies across Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan. Our efforts are transforming lives and alleviating the burden on healthcare systems strained by conflict.
2021
This year the focus is on access to diabetes care. Millions around the world and in the regions where we work lack access to insulin.
Watch this short message from Rima Kamal, Anera’s medical donations program intern in Lebanon, at the Chronic Care Center in Baabda, Lebanon. Thank you to our partner Direct Relief, for donating vital medical aid like the insulin in this shipment and helping to ensure that diabetes patients have access to the care they need.
Meet some of the patients at the Chronic Care Center.
“Diabetes is not something shameful and it is not scary but our spirits must remain high. The beginning was difficult, but with commitment and high morale, I was able to adapt to the disease.”
— Dani, a 19-year-old Lebanese citizen, was diagnosed with diabetes six years ago.
“I would like to tell everyone my age who also have diabetes to stick to eat healthy and always exercise!”
— Mohamed, a 13-year-old Lebanese citizen with diabetes.
“I learned about my illness ten years ago when I was 8 years old. This disease can affect anyone, so do not make it an obstacle in your life and continue to live life to the fullest.”
— Fayza, an 18-year-old Lebanese citizen with diabetes.
“Do not be afraid of the disease, it is not scary or dangerous especially when you adapt to it. There are diseases that are much more dangerous than diabetes.”
— Lana, a 10-year-old Lebanese citizen with diabetes.
“Everyone should be aware of their health and if diagnosed with diabetes, patients must commit to the diagnosis. Please prioritize periodic examinations in order to avoid preventable chronic diseases.”
— Dr. Charles Saab, a specialist in diabetes.
2020
On this World Diabetes Day, we share one of our favorite films from the Anera archives.
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