Nana Ama, Ghana
I started working with young people living with diabetes about 10 years ago and set up a support network for young people living with diabetes in Ghana about 4 years ago called Diabetes Youth Care. Over the years we have educated and created awareness about diabetes in Ghana. A lot still need to be done for access to insulin for these young ones so that they reach their fullest potential. For me the greatest gift is watching the young ones living with diabetes mentor each other and encourage each other to take their insulin. They also have become more confident knowing that they have the much need support from the group. One achievement was the camp last November for 60 plus young ones living with diabetes. First ever in the country and the smiles on their faces and their wish to have this annually. Thankful for the volunteer medics and non medics who also support these young ones. We realize that education is important for them to fully understand and manage diabetes. For the past 4 years we have also been organising monthly support group meetings for the young ones and their families. This has gone a long way to find out their needs and help them to take better care of themselves. Our motto is #diabeteswontstopus