Eli Lilly and Company, a global healthcare leader, has committed another 780,000 vials of insulin to the International Diabetes Federation's (IDF) Life for a Child programme.

Life for a Child provides free, life-saving medicine to children living in impoverished communities who otherwise would not have access to the insulin they need. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is the global advocate for people with diabetes, representing 230 national diabetes associations in 170 countries and territories.

Lilly's new commitment builds on the company's previous donation of 800,000 vials of insulin over the past six years, which reached more than 14,000 children in 34 countries. Over the next three years, Lilly will donate approximately 260,000 vials of insulin each year to the Life for a Child programme. This commitment will allow Life for a Child to continue providing treatment for children in the countries where the programme currently operates and to increase the amount of insulin supplied for distribution.

Lilly is the sole provider of insulin to the IDF's Life for a Child programme. The original donation of 800,000 vials represented Lilly's largest-ever product donation at the time. This new development extends Lilly's total commitment to Life for a Child to nearly 1.6 million vials of insulins.  

"We know that a diagnosis of diabetes is a monumental event for any child and family. But, sadly, in many lower- and middle-income countries, that diagnosis all too often means no future at all," said Graham Ogle, Life for a Child general manager. "Lilly's donation of insulin offers continued hope to children and families in need who are trying to manage type 1 diabetes in very challenging conditions."

In 2001, Lilly began supporting Life for a Child by collaborating with the IDF and providing funding to help establish the initiative. In 2008, Lilly committed 800,000 vials of insulin to support 14,000 children. Distribution of Lilly-donated insulin began in 2009 in six countries across Africa, South America and South Asia, and has since expanded to the Caribbean, Central America, Central Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region.

"We are honoured to continue partnering with IDF on Life for a Child," said David Kendall, M.D., vice president for medical affairs, Lilly Diabetes. "Through this new commitment of insulin, we will build on the substantial impact that Life for a Child has had in communities with very significant needs across the globe. Our commitment to these children will help them manage their diabetes and have much brighter futures."

In addition to insulin donations, Lilly also worked with IDF to produce two documentary films inspired by the programme. Directed by Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Edward Lachman, the films deliver an emotionally-gripping exposition of the challenges of living with diabetes in the developing world—and the hope offered by Life for a Child.

Life for a Child provides access to care, education and life-saving medicines and supplies to support over 17,000 children and adolescents with diabetes in 46 of the poorest countries around the world. The programme was established in 2000 by the IDF in collaboration with Diabetes NSW (formerly Australian Diabetes Council) and HOPE worldwide. Lilly, Rotary International and other sponsors, including individual donors, provide financial support.

The IDF is an umbrella organisation of more than 230 national diabetes associations in 170 countries and territories. It represents the interests of the growing number of people with diabetes and those at risk. IDF has been leading the global diabetes community since 1950. IDF's mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide.