The Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) has issued a dire warning, stating that 6 million Nigerians with diabetes are facing an existential threat due to the skyrocketing cost of healthcare.
In a statement to mark World Diabetes Day on November 14, DAN’s National President, Dr. Ejiofor Ugwu, revealed that between 30,000 and 40,000 Nigerians die annually from the condition. Dr. Ugwu emphasized that around 6-8 million Nigerians, or 5.7% of the population, are living with diabetes, with many cases going undiagnosed due to the lack of routine screening.
“Diabetes is responsible for an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 deaths annually in Nigeria,” said Dr. Ugwu. He pointed out the numerous challenges facing diabetes care in the country, including widespread poverty, low awareness, a shortage of specialists, cultural barriers, and inadequate healthcare facilities.
One of the most pressing issues, he said, is the soaring cost of diabetes medications and consumables. For instance, the price of an insulin vial, which once cost around N4,000, has risen to N18,000, a staggering 400% increase. This sharp rise in costs has made diabetes care unaffordable for most patients, leading to more complications and premature deaths.
Dr. Ugwu called on the Federal Government to urgently subsidize diabetes medications and consumables to improve accessibility for millions of Nigerians. He also recommended a complete tax waiver on the importation of diabetes-related products and the revival of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax, with funds directed towards the prevention of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
Finally, he urged the government to conduct a comprehensive national survey on non-communicable diseases, to provide accurate data for future health policy development.
