For 16-year-old Bilal, managing Type 1 diabetes in Gaza became even harder after his family home was destroyed. After he lost his blood glucose monitor, Bilal was unable to regularly check his blood sugar. Without access to safe insulin and the equipment he needed, Bilal experienced dangerous fluctuations in his blood sugar, including repeated episodes of low blood sugar, known as hypoglycaemia.
“I have no glucometer. It was lost under the rubble of my house. Now I manage my diabetes in the dark.”
Bilal was experiencing significant fluctuations in his blood glucose levels, alongside weakness, fatigue, excessive thirst, blurred vision and numbness in his lower limbs. He was also living with anxiety and fear about the long-term complications of his condition.
“I am afraid that I will lose my sight or my foot. I feel like this is about to happen.”
Support beyond medication
In June 2026, Doctors Worldwide rehabilitated the only paediatric diabetes programme that previously existed in Gaza. Bilal received a comprehensive assessment and individualised care from a multidisciplinary team, including a diabetes consultant doctor, nurse, dietitian and psychologist.
He was provided with a glucose monitoring machine and test strips, while the team helped arrange access to safe, non-expired insulin. He also received practical education on insulin administration, blood glucose monitoring, nutrition and recognising and managing low blood sugar.
Importantly, Bilal and his family received psychological and emotional support, helping them better understand his condition and how to support him in managing it safely.
Six weeks later: A renewed sense of hope
After six weeks of intensive follow-up through face-to-face and virtual consultations, Bilal began to see meaningful changes.
He experienced no further episodes of low blood sugar, while his blood glucose levels improved. He also became more confident in monitoring his condition and taking an active role in decisions about his health.
Perhaps most importantly, Bilal began to regain a sense of independence.
Despite living in a tent with his family after losing his home, and facing limited access to food, clean water and other basic necessities, he now has greater knowledge and support to manage his diabetes.
Bilal’s story reminds us that healthcare in a humanitarian crisis is about more than treating immediate illness. For people living with lifelong conditions, access to essential medication, monitoring, education, nutrition and psychological support can help restore not only health, but confidence and hope.
Protecting Health, Supporting Families
Millions of families in conflict-affected areas struggle to access safe, reliable nutrition for their children, often facing difficult choices under extreme circumstances. Access to quality healthcare is not a privilege, it is a human right.
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