The Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) has issued a warning that six million Nigerians with diabetes are facing a critical situation due to the soaring costs of healthcare. In a statement to commemorate the United Nations World Diabetes Day, which is observed on November 14, the National President of DAN, Dr. Ejiofor Ugwu, highlighted that between 30,000 to 40,000 Nigerians die from diabetes annually. Dr. Ugwu explained, “Approximately 6 to 8 million Nigerians (5.7 percent) are living with diabetes.
This figure likely represents only the tip of the iceberg, as two-thirds of diabetes cases in Nigeria remain undiagnosed due to a lack of routine screening.” He further noted that, “Diabetes is responsible for an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 deaths in Nigeria each year.
Managing diabetes in the country faces numerous challenges, including high poverty levels, low awareness about diabetes, a shortage of healthcare professionals—particularly diabetes specialists—unhealthy cultural and religious beliefs, and insufficient diabetes care facilities.” In the past year, the cost of diabetes medications and supplies has skyrocketed, becoming unaffordable for many patients.
For example, the price of an insulin vial has risen from approximately N4,000 to about N18,000, which indicates an increase of over 400 percent. This sharp rise poses significant barriers to optimal diabetes care in Nigeria, leading to increased complications and premature deaths among patients who can no longer afford necessary treatments.
Dr. Ugwu emphasized the need for action, stating, “The Federal Government should urgently subsidize diabetes medications and supplies to make them more affordable for the large population living with diabetes in Nigeria. DAN recommends implementing a complete tax waiver for the import of diabetes medications and supplies.”
He also advocated for the revival of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax, which was halted in June 2024, suggesting that legislation be introduced to direct the funds gained from this tax towards the prevention of diabetes and related non-communicable diseases.
Additionally, he called for a well-conducted national survey on non-communicable diseases to obtain accurate data that would inform healthcare policymaking in Nigeria.
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