Insulin for the Islands
The Israeli Government has handed over supplies for diabetics living in the Cook Islands.
Ambassador Shem Tzur (l) hands over supplies
During an official visit by the Israeli Government to the Cook Islands, a delegation led by H.E. Ambassador Shemi Tzur – Israel’s Ambassador to New Zealand – handed over much needed diabetes supplies, donated by insulin for life Australia to the Minister of Health the Hon Mr Nandi Glassie, during a special ceremony. This has been the second time Insulin for Life and the Israeli Government have partnered up in the Cook Islands and the feedback so far has been very rewarding. In May this year a similar donation was also made to the Samoan Government.
Minister Nandi Glassie thanked the Israeli delegation for the shipment and stated: “this generous donation of Insulin for Life supplies means a great deal to the people of the Cook Islands”.
The supplied donation comprised of 66 blood glucose testing meters, 5400 insulin syringes and 16 sharps containers. The meters are used for diabetes monitoring, including cases of diabetes in pregnancy, where the health of the baby can be directly affected by high blood glucose levels. The syringes are less painful and have other advantages than the bigger ones patients may have to use.
“Diabetes is a major problem in the Pacific with high complications and death rates which are largely preventable” says President of Insulin for Life Mr Ron Raab who has been active in Pacific diabetes projects since the 1980’s.
Insulin for Life has sent supplies to over 80 countries and is currently active in 30 and aim to respond to long term needs with ongoing sustainable programs and to emergencies.
In a meeting taking place later that day, the delegation was thanked for their donation by Prime Minister The Rt Hon Henry Tuakeu Puna.
