In Copenhagen, a WHO high-level technical meeting on NCDs brought together global experts to discuss ways to promote the inclusion of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in humanitarian responses. The event was hosted by the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark and co-organised by the World Health Organization, UNHCR, and the UN Refugee Agency from 27 to 29 February. The meeting also examined strategies for assisting Member States in providing NCD prevention and control services during humanitarian crises. Outcomes from this meeting will inform recommendations for inclusion in the 2024 progress report to the UN Secretary-General and plans for the Fourth UN High-level meeting on NCDs in 2025.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) was represented by our Vice President Dr Iryna Vlasenko, who presented an overview of the situation in Ukraine regarding access to humanitarian assistance for people with diabetes. She also shared her experience coordinating humanitarian assistance to the crisis with different organisations in the international diabetes community, including IDF, and her role in facilitating cooperation with the Ukraine Ministry of Health since the beginning of the war.
During her talk, Dr Vlasenko emphasised the need for communication and patient involvement in crisis response mechanisms and stressed the urgency of medical and pharmaceutical care to help prevent unnecessary loss of life due to limited access to insulin and other essential diabetes medicines and supplies. She concluded by praising the international diabetes community and national patient organisations, groups, and individuals for supporting people with diabetes in Ukraine.
Learn more about IDF’s engagement in humanitarian activities in natural or human-made disasters.
