Highlighting Voices of Diabetic Patients from Communities
The roundtable “My Diabetes Story and Solution” organized on 26 November 2024 brought together some 30 diabetic patients and caregivers from the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities in Gjakova alongside healthcare professionals and community advocates.
Through an experience-sharing session the event highlighted the importance of inclusive, patient-centred healthcare, reflecting the continued commitment of the health sector institutions to empower underrepresented communities and advance equitable health outcomes. “Every statistic has a name and a story,” remarked Dr. Galina Berisha from the General Hospital of Gjakova. “By listening to your stories, we will know better how to deal with the statistics.”
A key feature of the event was the “My Diabetes Journey” session. Patients shared their experiences in a story-exchange format, offering an authentic perspective on the challenges faced by Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian individuals managing diabetes. These personal accounts informed the collaborative conversation with healthcare institutions’ representatives on practical, community-tailored steps to improve diabetes care.
The day concluded with a “Commitment Wall” exercise, where all attendees pledged concrete actions to promote better diabetes care and support within their communities. The event underscored the necessity of ongoing health dialogue. The insights and actionable steps generated during this event will guide future IHS activities.