In Central African Republic (CAR), where medicines such as insulin are expensive and often difficult to find, access to diabetes treatment is limited, and structured patient care programs are rare.
Living with diabetes is a challenge, and patients face the risk of severe complications because most health facilities in the country are too poorly equipped to provide regular monitoring. In response, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population, is providing free medical care to people living with diabetes in the southwestern city of Carnot. Since the launch of the program in 2019, our teams have supported 245 patients with diabetes.
As we mark World Diabetes Day on November 14, we’re sharing some of our patients’ stories to shed light on the realities of living with this disease in CAR.
Andoa Adolphe, MSF patient from Nola
“I had to drop out of school in year seven"
Before starting treatment, I constantly felt tired—I drank a lot of water, was always hungry, and often fell ill. Because of that, I had to drop out of school in year seven. But since I began insulin treatment, I feel much better and was able to return to school in 2024.
I started my treatment in Nola with insulin, but it was very difficult to find the medication there. It was my older brother who advised me to come to Carnot.
Thanks to MSF, I receive my treatment free of charge. I was also trained to monitor my blood sugar levels and inject myself with insulin. Every month, I go to the clinic for a check-up and to collect my treatment kit.
Today, I live a normal life and no longer have difficulties at school. My dream is to continue my studies and become a doctor so that one day I can treat other children living with diabetes.
Changing lives through self-managed care
The MSF program in Carnot prioritizes empowering patients with the tools they need to help manage their condition. Newly diagnosed patients are trained to monitor their blood sugar and inject themselves, and are given a full medical kit including a glucometer, insulin, syringes, lancets, and clay pots to store insulin. Monthly follow-ups and home visits ensure that patients maintain their autonomy while continuing to receive professional support.
“This program allows patients to stabilize their health and return to school, work, and family life,” says Étive Marvin Houboutouni, MSF’s diabetes program manager. “Today, 245 patients are receiving care, including 63 children and 182 adults. Among them, 80 have been empowered to manage their treatment independently, including 11 children.”
Warassio Emmanuel, father of an MSF patient in Carnot
"We hope that all children can have sustainable access to the care they need."
I am the father of Carole, a young girl living with type 1 diabetes. She has been on insulin treatment and [a patient] at the Carnot clinic for nine years.
When her illness first appeared, we didn’t understand what was wrong. We initially tried traditional remedies, using concoctions of leaves and roots, but her condition continued to worsen. Eventually, we decided to take her to the hospital, where the medical staff explained that she had diabetes.
The fight against diabetes cannot be won alone
Through education and free access to treatment, MSF is not only improving patients’ lives but also preparing them to manage their diabetes sustainably in the future. Still, many challenges remain in ensuring more people in CAR can benefit from this kind of support and gain lasting access to the care they need.
Combating diabetes requires the cooperation of public authorities, health actors, partners, and communities. By joining forces, we can improve the quality of life of people living with diabetes and prevent new cases.
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