By Abigail Philip David
Medical experts have raised alarms over the soaring costs and scarcity of diabetes medications in Nigeria, as the number of individuals living with the disease surges to approximately 14 million.
Speaking on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, themed *“Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,”* specialists emphasized the urgent need for intervention to address the crisis.
Dr. Mansur Ramalan, Consultant Physician, Diabetologist, and First Vice President of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, highlighted the dire situation faced by diabetes patients.
“Diabetic patients are grappling with the high cost and unavailability of essential drugs. Three major pharmaceutical companies, including Sanofi Aventis, a key insulin producer, have exited the Nigerian market. The drugs are now sold through third parties, leading to significant price hikes,” Dr. Ramalan stated.
He further explained that exchange rate challenges have exacerbated the problem, making medications unaffordable and inaccessible for many patients.
“This year, we appealed to the government to address the issue, but no action has been taken. Recently, the government announced free caesarean sections for women. Similar attention should be given to the diabetes crisis,” Dr. Ramalan urged.
He revealed that Nigeria’s diabetes prevalence rate has risen sharply from 2.4% in 1991 to approximately 5.7%–6%, affecting an estimated 12–14 million people and climbing yearly.
Professor Tanimola Akande, a Public Health expert from the University of Ilorin, echoed these concerns.
“Diabetes is a chronic, non-communicable disease with significant prevalence and burden in Nigeria. World Diabetes Day is an opportunity to raise awareness, conduct screenings, and advocate for government action to prioritize diabetes prevention and control programs,” Prof. Akande said.
Adding to the warnings, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, noted that the number of people living with diabetes in Africa could rise to 54 million by 2045—the highest predicted increase globally—if urgent measures are not taken.
“In the WHO African Region, over 24 million adults currently live with diabetes, with half remaining undiagnosed. Without intervention, diabetes will pose a dual health and economic burden, including catastrophic individual spending to manage the disease,” Dr. Moeti said.
She further highlighted Africa’s limited investment in diabetes care, with only 1% of health expenditure dedicated to the disease.
Dr. Moeti called for comprehensive strategies, including improved nutrition, access to essential medicines, promotion of physical activity, mental health support, and community engagement, to address the crisis effectively.
“Strengthening diabetes control in Africa requires tackling myths and misconceptions, bolstering fragile primary health care systems, and improving training for healthcare workers,” she concluded.
The experts collectively called on governments and stakeholders to act urgently to prevent the worsening of the diabetes epidemic in Nigeria and across Africa.
