Международная Федерация Диабета создаёт специальный трастовый фонд для Гаити

I wanted to let you know that we have heard from the association in Haiti and that amongst the widespread tragedy there is good news. Communicating by email, association vice-president Philippe Larco said, "We have survived the earthquake which affected almost 3 million Haitians with hundreds of thousands dead. The president of the foundation Dr Rene Charles and his wife are fine."

Sadly, we have also heard that some association members have lost family members. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and with the people of Haiti as they struggle to come to terms with the loss and devastation brought by this natural disaster.

In his email, Mr Larco added: "We are ready to receive diabetes supplies and distribute it in the best possible way to people with diabetes through our network."

IDF and Insulin for Life have joined together to launch a relief effort for people with diabetes in quake-stricken Haiti. A shipment of insulin, meters, test strips and other supplies has been rushed to the Haitian Diabetes association. The foundation houses the only dedicated diabetes clinic in Haiti, which is understood to still be standing.

An additional parcel of diabetes supplies has been sent to Dr Nancy Larco in Washington, USA. Dr Nancy Larco, project coordinator at the Haitian Diabetes association and daughter of its president Dr Rene Charles, is currently trying to make her way back to Haiti with the second batch of emergency supplies.

IDF is setting up a Haiti Diabetes Trust Fund where member associations can support people with diabetes during the emergency and contribute to rebuilding services for the more than 300,000 people with diabetes in Haiti in the longer term.

IDF cannot receive donations of insulin or other diabetes supplies. We will pass on any such offers to Insulin for Life.

IDF would be pleased to accept donations of money from member associations (sent to IDF the same way membership fees are paid, marked 'Haiti Fund'). Donations will be used as needed to support further shipments of emergency diabetes supplies and in the longer term, to support the national diabetes association in Haiti.

I thank you for the many messages we have received. This has been another inspiring example of the global solidarity felt within the IDF family.

IDF President Jean Claude Mbanya has offered his condolences: "Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this terrible tragedy. As attention shifts from rescue to caring for survivors, IDF will continue spearheading efforts by the global diabetes community to ensure people with diabetes are given the assistance they need.”

Ann Keeling
CEO, International Diabetes Federation