International Collaboration for Medicines in Sri Lanka

In 2022 CLAN received a request from paediatric endocrinologists in Sri Lanka for assistance securing access to hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone tablets for the 200+ children living with CAH in their country. The financial crisis in Sri Lanka was threatening access to affordable essential medicines, and families living in the most disadvantaged circumstances were particularly vulnerable. With thanks to the CAH Community of Germany and Binden Pharma in Pakistan (manufacturers of high-quality, affordable hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone tablets), CLAN was able to courier a one-year supply of enough medicine to treat at least 30% of all children with CAH in Sri Lanka for a 12-month period. The medicines arrived safely in Sri Lanka in March 2023, and doctors in Sri Lanka have been distributing the medicines to those children and families in greatest need. Sincere thanks to all involved in making this wonderful international collaboration possible.

@MATES4Kids is an international movement committed to reducing the preventable mortality associated with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). CLAN (Caring & Living As Neighbours) is the founding Secretariat of @MATES4Kids and this Activity Report captures key initiatives and achievements of the movement from January 2022 to June 2023.

Acknowledgement of Country. In the spirit of reconciliation, @MATES4Kids acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and the connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to land, sea and community. In particular, we acknowledge the Wallumedegal Peoples of the Eora Nation, on whose land CLAN (Caring & Living As Neighbours) is headquartered. We pay our respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations leaders around the world.