Economy

Free needles project for diabetic children ends

kibachio

Dr Joseph Kibachio. FILE PHOTO | NMG

The project that provides free insulin needles for children with diabetes is coming to an end in what could force parents to dip into their pockets for the spikes.

The project, dubbed Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) will, however, continue providing insulin, strips and glucometers to those  under 18 years.

CDiC is supported by a consortium of big drug makers including Novo Nordisk and Roche.

Dr Joseph Kibachio, Head of the Non-Communicable Diseases Division at the Health ministry, said the programme — which has been spending at least Sh8 million annually on diabetes management for the past five years — will stop providing needles in a move to push the government to take up part of the costs involved.

“Every project has an end and we are avoiding transferring the costs to parents,” Dr Kibachio told the Business Daily.

He said they are engaging counties to meet the bill.