Towards insulin for all: operationalising the WHA74 resolution on diabetes

An earlier version of this brief contained an inaccuracy regarding the price of insulin pens in South Africa. This has been corrected in the new version.

In May 2021 WHO member states passed a resolution on strengthening prevention and control of diabetes, and in January 2022, the WHO proposed global targets for diabetes diagnosis and control. These targets are now being put forward for consideration at WHA75. 

This technical brief gives a snapshot of aspects of the resolution and targets related to insulin in three countries. In addition, using MSF and public procurement prices, it presents the price to manage diabetes per patient per year using the bundle of tools necessary - insulin, its injection device and glucose strips.

Based on these findings, the brief makes recommendations to countries and the WHO to ensure that treatment options are accessible and affordable for people living with diabetes.