Anita Bulindi
My Story
In present day Tanzania, one of the biggest challenges faced by people living with type 1 diabetes is the lack of information and misinformation. Many still face stigma and discrimination because of their condition. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of four, back when the situation was even harder and even less was known about the condition. Stigma is and was so common for children with type 1 diabetes. I feel lucky to have had parents that dedicated their everything to find the means to support me and give me a chance at life. Recognizing how blessed I am, I have dedicated my life to demystify type 1 diabetes and raising awareness within governments and communities.
My Advocacy
I believe the Pamoja Advocacy Program will give me skills to become an effective advocate to improve the chances of an equitable life for people with diabetes. I want to focus especially on those for whom the choice between insulin and food is a real one.
My team advocacy goal for 2018 was to increase awareness of type 1 diabetes in schools and reduce the stigma related . To do this, my team aimed to deliver 4 presentations about type 1 diabetes in schools in the coastal region. Working with my fellow Tanzanians, I was able to achieve that. We also made television and radio appearances to educate the public about type 1 diabetes. I continue to educate children and youth living with diabetes at various clinics in Dar es Salaam, as well as their parents and health care providers, about how to deal with and overcome social challenges they face due to their condition. Team Tanzania is spreading knowledge about diabetes to the surrounding communities.
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