DAN: Millions of Nigerians at risk over alarming costs of diabetes care

The Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) has raised its concerns over an alarming healthcare emergency, as approximately six million Nigerians living with diabetes face risk due to skyrocketing diabetes care costs.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), DAN in a statement through its National President, Dr Ejiofor Ugwu, to mark the November 14 World Diabetes Day, stated that there is an urgent need for intervention as the high costs of care is taking its toll on many Nigerians living with diabetes.

“The escalating cost of healthcare has pushed diabetes care beyond the reach of many Nigerians,” Dr. Ugwu lamented.

Reports had it that approximately 6-8 million Nigerians, which accounts for about 5.7% of the population, are living with diabetes.

“Unfortunately, a staggering two-thirds of these cases remain undiagnosed due to inadequate screening,” the president analyzed.

“Financial constraints have devastating consequences, leading to an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 diabetes-related deaths in Nigeria each year,” DAN stated in its report.

Dr. Ugwu cautions that if urgent intervention is not made, the number of Nigerians struggling with diabetes will only continue to grow as many are unable to access essential medications, regular check-ups, and healthy lifestyle changes.

“The most concerning thing is that managing this disease is made harder by poverty, lack of awareness, too few specialists, unhealthy cultural norms, and inadequate healthcare facilities,” Ugwu stated.

“A drastic surge in diabetes medication and supply costs over the past year has left patients struggling to access life-saving treatments.”

“The insulin vial price, for example, has soared by 350% from N4,000 to N18,000, calling for urgent need for affordable healthcare solutions.”

Ugwu warns, “the sharp increase in diabetes medication costs creates a significant obstacle to effective management in Nigeria, rendering treatment unaffordable for most patients and resulting in heightened complications and premature mortality.”

“The Federal Government needs to take immediate action to make diabetes medications and supplies more affordable for Nigeria’s growing diabetic population by providing subsidies.”

“This intervention is crucial as the cost of diabetes management has become a significant burden for many Nigerians, with the price of insulin, for instance, skyrocketing from ₦3,000 to ₦22,000 per bottle, and patients requiring three bottles a month.”

“DAN is also pushing for a full tax waiver on importing diabetes medications and supplies,” the president disclosed.

“Besides, reinstating the sugar-sweetened beverages tax, which was halted in June 2024, is crucial for Nigeria’s fight against diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.”

Ugwu further added “a comprehensive national survey on non-communicable diseases is urgently needed to inform healthcare policy making in Nigeria.

“This data would provide valuable insights into the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors associated with these diseases, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions.”

Know about DAN

The Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) is a vital organization that has been advocating for the welfare of Nigerians living with diabetes.

With approximately 6-8 million people affected by diabetes in Nigeria, DAN’s work is crucial in raising awareness and pushing for policy changes to support those affected.

Key Objectives of DAN

DAN advocates for affordable healthcare, particularly for diabetes management, and pushes for policy changes to support those affected.

The organization raises awareness about diabetes, its risk factors, and management strategies to educate the public and as well provides support to people living with diabetes, including access to resources and healthcare services.

DAN’s Recommendations

The association suggests to the Federal Government to subsidize diabetes medications and consumables to make them more affordable and  recommends reinstating sugar-sweetened beverages tax to generate revenue for healthcare initiatives.

Besides, it suggests that a comprehensive national survey on non-communicable diseases be conducted to inform healthcare policy.

Challenges Faced by Nigerians with Diabetes

Diabetes patients in Nigeria face high cost of medications and consumables, with insulin prices skyrocketing from ₦4,000 to ₦18,000 per vial.

Nigerians living with diabetes lack limited access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas and low awareness about diabetes and its risk factors.

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