Today is the 2024 World Diabetes Day, with the theme “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps.” Attention turns to an urgent and grim reality- an estimated six million Nigerians who are currently grappling with diabetes amidst an escalating crisis of soaring healthcare costs. The Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN), led by National President, Dr. Ejiofor Ugwu has highlighted that the cost of managing diabetes has reached untenable levels, presenting an existential threat to those affected and imposing a heavy burden on the country’s already strained healthcare system.
In a statement marking World Diabetes Day, Dr Ugwu underscored the gravity of the situation, revealing that approximately 30,000 to 40,000 Nigerians die annually from diabetes. This alarming statistic is a reflection of the broader issue: a chronic metabolic disorder that not only threatens the health of individuals but also compromises the economic and social fabric of society. According to recent data, diabetes affects between 6-8 million Nigerians, which equates to about 5.7 per cent of the population. The situation is compounded by the fact that two-thirds of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed due to a lack of routine screening and widespread poverty.
The cost of diabetes medications and consumables has surged to unprecedented levels over the past year, with insulin prices leaping from approximately N4,000 to N18,000—a staggering 400 per cent increase. Such a rise is pushing critical treatment beyond the reach of the average Nigerian, creating a barrier that leads to severe complications and preventable deaths.
Diabetes care in Nigeria is fraught with numerous challenges, including a shortage of specialist manpower, limited diabetes care facilities, and entrenched cultural beliefs that often hinder proactive health management. This backdrop of poverty and low awareness exacerbates the struggle for effective disease management. These systemic issues are amplified by rapid urbanisation and changing lifestyles, characterised by sedentary habits and diets high in processed foods and sugars, which have fuelled the rise in diabetes cases. Without effective preventive measures, the International Diabetes Federation projects that the number of Nigerians living with diabetes could increase from 5.5 million in 2019 to 8.7 million by 2045.
The government must take decisive action, including the subsidisation of diabetes medications and consumables to make them accessible to a larger segment of the population. Policies should also include a complete tax waiver on the importation of diabetes treatment supplies, facilitating their affordability. Reviving the sugar-sweetened beverage tax, which was discontinued in June 2024, is essential. Redirecting the revenue from this tax towards diabetes and non-communicable disease prevention can create a sustainable funding source for necessary healthcare initiatives.
The call for a comprehensive national survey on non-communicable diseases is equally crucial. Accurate data is vital for informed policymaking and the development of targeted health strategies. With clearer insights into the prevalence and distribution of diabetes and other related conditions, resources can be allocated more effectively, and interventions tailored to meet the real needs of the population.
Public health campaigns should be expanded to include widespread education on healthy lifestyle choices, emphasising the importance of balanced diets and regular physical activity. Early detection initiatives must be prioritised, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited and knowledge of diabetes is often minimal. These educational campaigns should be conducted in local dialects across various media platforms to ensure they reach all segments of society.
Investments in healthcare infrastructure are essential. The government must prioritise the development of facilities that can provide comprehensive diabetes care, including clinics equipped with affordable monitoring and treatment options. Partnerships with private healthcare providers and non-governmental organisations can also enhance the availability of necessary resources and support. The time for half-measures is over.
