Nigerians Facing Diabetes Battle as Costs Continue to Climb

DAN Warns of Healthcare Crisis for Nigerians with Diabetes as Costs Skyrocket

The Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) has raised alarm bells over the dire situation facing approximately six million Nigerians living with diabetes, particularly due to the soaring costs associated with healthcare. Dr. Ejiofor Ugwu, the National President of DAN, made this statement in commemoration of World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14. He noted that between 30,000 and 40,000 Nigerians succumb to diabetes-related complications every year.

Dr. Ugwu asserted that around 6-8 million Nigerians—about 5.7 percent of the population—are afflicted with diabetes. However, he cautioned that this figure likely represents only a fraction of the true number of cases, as it is estimated that two-thirds remain undiagnosed due to insufficient routine screening.

“Diabetes claims an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 lives in Nigeria each year,” Dr. Ugwu stated. He went on to detail the myriad challenges that complicate diabetes management in the country, including widespread poverty, low awareness of the disease, a shortage of healthcare professionals specializing in diabetes care, deeply ingrained cultural and religious misconceptions, and inadequate facilities for diabetes treatment.

The rising costs of diabetes medications and other necessary consumables have become particularly burdensome over the past year. For example, the price of an insulin vial has surged from approximately N4,000 to N18,000, reflecting an increase of over 400 percent. This drastic rise poses a significant hurdle for many patients, who are unable to afford necessary care, leading to heightened risks of complications and premature fatalities.

Dr. Ugwu urged immediate action from the Federal Government, advocating for subsidies on diabetes medications and consumables to make them accessible to the large population of individuals living with the condition in Nigeria.

Furthermore, he recommended that a complete tax exemption be instituted on the importation of diabetes medications and consumables. He also called for the revival of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, which was discontinued in June 2024, suggesting that proceeds from such a tax should be allocated to the prevention of diabetes and other related non-communicable diseases.

Dr. Ugwu emphasized the importance of conducting a comprehensive national survey on noncommunicable diseases as soon as possible, explaining that accurate data is essential for informed healthcare policymaking.