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Rising healthcare expenses have placed six million Nigerians with diabetes in a vulnerable position, according to a recent warning from the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN). The organization highlighted that as the cost of vital treatments skyrockets, individuals managing diabetes face increasingly limited options for affordable care.
This situation, DAN cautions, not only threatens their immediate well-being but also raises long-term health risks, with many potentially unable to maintain necessary treatment plans.
Dr. Ejiofor Ugwu, National President of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, highlighted the toll diabetes takes on Nigerian lives in a recent statement ahead of the United Nations World Diabetes Day, set for November 14.
He reported that each year, an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 Nigerians succumb to the disease. Dr. Ugwu’s message emphasized the importance of prioritizing diabetes awareness and making effective care accessible to reduce this tragic loss of life.
According to Dr. Ugwu, “About 6-8 million Nigerians (5.7 percent) have diabetes. This figure represents a tip of the iceberg as two-thirds of diabetes cases in Nigeria are still undiagnosed due to lack of routine screening.
“Diabetes kills an estimated 30,000? 40,000 Nigerians annually. Managing diabetesi n Nigeria is faced with alot of challenges including a high level of poverty, low diabetes awareness, shortage of manpower especiallydiabetes specialists, unhealthy cultural and religious beliefs, and inadequate diabetes care facilities.
“In the past one year, the cost of diabetes medications and consumables has gone astronomically high, beyond the reach of most patients. Insulinvial for instance, which used tocost about N4,000 now sells for about N18,000, representing over 400 percent increase.
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“This poses significant barrier to optimal diabetes care in Nigeria as majority of patients can no longer affordcare, resulting in increased diabetes complications and premature deaths.”
On the way out, he said: “The Federal Government should as amatter of urgency, subsidize diabetes medications and consumables to make them moreaffordable to the teeming population of people living with diabetes in Nigeria
“DAN recommends complete tax waiver in importation of diabetes medications and consumables
The tax on sugar-laden beverages, paused in June 2024, should be brought back with a legislative framework that allocates its proceeds to diabetes and other non-communicable disease prevention efforts.
Such a measure could provide essential funding for health programs aimed at reducing the impact of sugar on public health, a critical step in addressing these rising health concerns.
“There is a need for a well conducted national survey on noncommunicable diseases as soon as possible. This will provide accurate data to guide health care policy making,” he added.
