ESPE Yearbook of Paediatric Endocrinology

fpbrennan@ozemail.com.au Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2022; 183: 109153. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2021.109153

Brief Summary: In this perspective, the authors argue that a human rights-based approach to access to insulin empowers patients, families, and communities living with diabetes, and grounds actions by governments, clinicians, and non-government organisations in the principles of dignity, non-discrimination, and equity of access.

Universal health coverage is included under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #3 and is one of the overarching targets of the United Nations (UN) 2030 agenda for sustainable development (“Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”). However, progress towards this goal, which includes diabetes, remains slow.

Brennan et al. take an interesting approach towards access to diabetes management (not only insulin and diabetes supplies but also diabetes care and diabetes information). They explain that access to diabetes care is already codified by international human rights laws (right to health, life, to information and to non-discrimination) and imply that both governments and pharmaceutical companies are expected to respect international laws and obligations. They highlight the guidelines written by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health on the expectations from pharmaceutical companies in relation to access to medicines (including insulin). As mentioned in several other articles discussed in this chapter, an important take home message is that progress depends on a joint effort between NGOs, governments and clinicians. Of interest to the reader is also a list of the main international NGOs and other organisations that are contributing to improving access to all aspects of diabetes management, including insulin supply.