Hi, I’m Ousman Ceesay from The Gambia. I’ve been living with type 1 diabetes since 2011, and my journey has shaped my mission: to empower others through advocacy, creativity, and community service. I’m a diabetes advocate, writer, poet, graphic designer, and a volunteer with the Red Cross.
I support young people with diabetes, helping them to manage insulin use, monitor blood sugar, eat healthily, and stay active. I’m also building a global network of people living with diabetes to share challenges and learn strategies from different communities.
In recognition of my work, I received The Gambia’s national “Youth in Health” award, which celebrates individuals making a meaningful difference in health advocacy and education. I’ve helped raise awareness, improved access to information, and supported young people living with diabetes and their caregivers.
About 25 million people live with diabetes in Africa, and within The Gambia, in 2024, an estimated 54,000 adults live with diabetes.
This growing diabetes burden, combined with limited access to insulin, diagnostics, and education in our region, drives my commitment to improving outcomes for people with diabetes across sub‑Saharan Africa and beyond.
Read Ousman’story on Diabetes Voice
“I’ve been living with type 1 diabetes since 2011, and my journey has shaped my mission: to empower others through advocacy, creativity, and community service.”