Between 2023 and 2025, the WHO Shortages Database reported a total of 209 insulin shortages across ten countries
This comprehensive overview highlights that insulin shortages and stockouts are a global problem across geographies and income groups, with these problems being widespread and, in many regions, a chronic challenge. The review of lay press coverage across four languages spanning all the world’s regions reveals strikingly consistent themes: recurring supply disruptions, manufacturing gaps, financing and affordability crises, and limited transparency. The aim of this report is to provide a comprehensive overview of the issue of insulin shortages and stockouts, using lay press, review of WHO and government databases as well as questions to the three major insulin manufacturers.