Life for a Child — Fighting Type 1 Diabetes in Resource-Poor Countries

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, with a PhD in sociology, Prof. James Ron has conducted groundbreaking research on human rights and political violence in locations around the world. Outside of his scholarly work, Prof. Ron has also volunteered with the medical charity, Life for a Child, since 2009. To assist the charity’s life-saving efforts, Prof. Ron has conducted monitoring visits to clinics and hospitals in India, Mexico, Morocco, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

A program of the International Diabetes Foundation, Life for a Child works to prevent diabetes-related mortality and morbidity in low and middle income countries. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. Individuals with the condition must carefully monitor blood glucose levels and inject insulin several times a day, in addition to rigorously managing their diet and exercise habits. Difficult at the best of times, this self care is often impossible countries without adequate resources and access to required medication, expertise, and oversight.

The Sydney-based Life for a Child uses donations of money and insulin to provide insulin, blood-glucose testing equipment, syringes and (appropriately translated) educational materials to patients, families and healthcare workers in 42 countries. It also supports local program development and monitors the health outcomes of all children and youth receiving its support. Overall, Life for a Child’s efforts reach over 21,000 youth and children worldwide.