Endocrine Abstracts

Objectives: To evaluate the impact and operational insights of a rapid, multi-layered emergency response led by Action4Diabetes (A4D) to ensure uninterrupted access to insulin, blood glucose (BG) monitoring kits, and psychological support for children and young people (CYP) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) following the 2025 Myanmar earthquake.

Background: On the of 28 March 2025, central Myanmar was struck by two powerful earthquakes (7.7; 6.4 magnitude), causing over 5,000 fatalities, including one A4D-supported T1D child. The disaster affected about 17 million, with critical disruptions in healthcare, electricity, and communications. CYP with T1D were severely impacted as widespread power outages destroyed cold-chain insulin storage and telecommunications failed.

Methods: A4D, a UK-registered charity supporting more than 1,000 T1D CYP in Southeast Asia, launched a three-tier emergency assessment: (1) reviewed deliverables and operational status of partner hospitals, (2) evaluated patient safety, insulin availability and care access from digitally health records, and (3) coordinated with local distributors for emergency stock and logistics to supply and deliver. Priority was given to patients with less than one week’s insulin supply. Aid packages were distributed and services temporarily resumed at Kandaw Nadi Hospital within the week. Once connectivity was restored, a UK-based psychologist provided online psychological training to Myanmar healthcare staff.

Results: Within the week, 72 of 101 affected CYP with T1D were contacted. By week three, 44 CYP had received insulin, 65 aid packages were delivered, and 8 home visits were made despite major infrastructure challenges. Pre-disaster, supplies were routinely delivered via cargo shipments; however, due to damage to roads, bridges and infrastructure, A4D shifted to smaller-scale logistics, using mini-vans and small passenger vehicles for approximately 3 weeks to maintain deliveries and supplies.

Conclusion: In the aftermath of the earthquake, the destruction caused significant challenges in the timely procurement, distribution and delivery of essential diabetes management supplies, directly impacting CYP with T1D who rely on uninterrupted access to these critical resources. The rapid response highlights the critical need for digital health records, adaptable communication, decentralised supply chains, strong local coordination, and integrated psychological support to ensure continuity of T1D care during large-scale emergencies.