Sicily expands ‘Vulnerabili’ project to combat diabetes healthcare poverty

The ‘Vulnerabili’ project, a collaboration between Novo Nordisk and Fondazione Banco Farmaceutico, has expanded its reach in Sicily to combat healthcare poverty among vulnerable populations. One year after its launch, the initiative has increased its presence in the region from two to five socio-assistive facilities, adding locations in Agrigento, Floridia, and Lampedusa to the existing sites in Palermo.

The project aims to provide free and continuous access to insulin and administration devices for individuals at risk of being excluded from standard healthcare pathways due to poverty, homelessness, or migratory status. In its first year, the national network involved nine organizations across five regions, distributing over 5,500 insulin injection devices and 40,000 needles.

Looking toward 2026, the project plans to expand to 16 facilities across 10 regions and 13 municipalities. The projected supply for the upcoming period includes over 6,200 insulin devices and 46,000 needles.