Дочерняя организация Международной Федерации Диабета в Чили создаёт специальный фонд поддержки жертв землетрясения

Within hours of the quake, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), through its South and Central American (SACA) Region and its Task Force on Insulin and other Essential Diabetes Medicines and Technologies, mobilized its network to come to the aid of the two IDF member associations in the country, the Fundación Diabetes Juvenil de Chile (FDJ) and the Sociedad Chilena de Endocrinología y Metabolismo (SOCHEM).

IDF partner Insulin for Life also immediately made available emergency diabetes supplies to send to Chile.

Contact was established with Dr César Velasco of the FDJ, who reported that there was no immediate shortage of insulin, but that the communications infrastructure had been seriously damaged in the areas closest to the epicentre of the earthquake. This caused problems with the delivery and distribution of insulin and diabetes supplies, particularly from pharmacies.

In response, FDJ established an emergency fund to collect donations of insulin, strips, and syringes to send to the areas in need. The association received an extraordinary response and Dr Velasco was able to personally deliver supplies to the city of Concepción on 4 March. The following day, supplies were also dispatched to the towns of Chillán and Talca.

The association continues to receive donations and deliver them to affected areas. It has decided to make its fund permanent to assist people with diabetes in Chile.