Stakeholders converged at the Art Exhibition in Abuja in observance of World Diabetes Day, an event organized by the National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR) Coalition.
The NASR Coalition revealed that Diabetes exacts a direct financial toll of $4.5 billion on Nigeria annually. They further emphasized that an individual battling diabetes spends no less than N300,000 yearly on healthcare expenses.
This disclosure took place during the art exhibition held in Abuja to mark the World Diabetes Day. The primary objective was to create awareness regarding the imperative need for addressing the risks posed by Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) stemming from the consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) and the resulting strain on the healthcare sector.
World Diabetes Day is celebrated globally on November 14, serving as a platform to increase awareness about diabetes as a critical public health concern. The focus is on collective and individual efforts to enhance the prevention, diagnosis, and management of the condition. This year’s theme is ‘Access to diabetes care.’
Dr. Alkali Mohammed, President of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, emphasized the pervasive impact of diabetes, stating, “We know that in Nigeria, most of the payment is out-of-pocket, so if you add the total costs of all the complications and how it affects any part of the body, that adds to the cost.” He also highlighted the broader consequences, including decreased productivity when individuals are affected by the disease.
According to Dr. Mohammed, the global population of individuals living with diabetes stands at approximately 537 million, with projections soaring to 737 million by 2040 if urgent measures are not taken. Alarmingly, an estimated 11.2 million Nigerians are currently living with diabetes, with over 90% classified under type 2 diabetes.
Advocating for an increase in the tax on SSBs from 10% to 20%, Dr. Mohammed underscored that such a tax adjustment would not only discourage the consumption of sugary drinks, contributing to an improved health culture, but also generate revenue for the government. Stressing the need for transparent allocation of funds, he asserted that a significant portion should be dedicated to public enlightenment, prevention, drug subsidies for diabetes patients, and the inclusion of NCD patients in the health insurance scheme.
Dr. Adamu Umar, co-chairman of the NASR Coalition and President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, highlighted Nigeria’s status as bearing the highest diabetes burden in Africa. He also shed light on the prevalence of underreported cases and the necessity for heightened awareness and policy implementation to address the burgeoning NCD crisis.
The NASR Coalition, comprised of health organizations, champions policy measures aimed at curtailing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. These measures are pivotal in addressing the prevalence of NCDs, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, and hypertension.
