Meethi Chah – A Community-Led Initiative to Strengthen Peer Support and Psychosocial Wellbeing for People Living with Type 1 Diabetes in Pakistan

Meethi Zindagi recently organized a series of in-person, community-driven support gatherings under the banner of Meethi Chah, meaning Sweet Wish, across three major cities in Pakistan — Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. This initiative reflects the principles of people-centered care and peer empowerment, fostering a safe and empathetic space for individuals living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their caregivers to share lived experiences, receive emotional support, and strengthen social connections.

Key Outcomes:

• Over 140 participants engaged across the three gatherings.
• Discussions addressed diabetes burnout, stigma, emotional isolation, and coping strategies, with open and non-judgmental dialogue.
• Personal narratives, including that of Esha and Nouman, who challenged social norms around chronic illness and marriage, and 14-year-old Jennifer, who embraced self-care and confidence, underscored the transformative power of psychosocial support.
• The initiative is aligned with Meethi Zindagi’s broader advocacy and care efforts, including the Promise of Insulin program, and received support from corporate partners.

Strategic Alignment with WHO Themes:
This community model aligns with WHO’s emphasis on:

• People-centered and integrated health services – addressing the holistic needs of individuals beyond clinical care.
• Engaging people living with NCDs in shaping and leading supportive environments.
• Promoting mental health and emotional resilience as integral components of diabetes care.

Call for Collaboration:
We welcome dialogue and knowledge exchange with fellow stakeholders to:

• Explore replication of community-based support circles for people living with NCDs.
• Integrate peer-led psychosocial interventions within national diabetes strategies.
• Partner on regionally adaptable, sustainable care models that place lived experience at the center.