ABUJA (SUNDIATA POST)- Gatefield has appealed to the Federal Government to create a Diabetes Medicines Subsidy Fund as Nigerian hospitals grapple with a surge in emergencies caused by untreated diabetes.
Gatefield is an organisation that advocates and creates campaigns that bring about positive social change.
Gatefied’s demand was stressed at the end of its two-day Gatefield Health Summit 2024, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that a report, titled “Impact of Inflation on Affordability and Adherence to Anti-diabetics,” conducted by Gatefield and DGI Consults, revealed that the cost of managing diabetes in 2024 has nearly doubled to one million naira, leaving many Nigerians unable to afford treatment.
With diabetes now affecting one in 17 Nigerian adults, Gatefield’s called for a subsidy fund and reform of primary healthcare systems aims to prevent a worsening crisis.
Experts agreed that comprehensive action, from better supply chains to increased public education, was essential to improve outcomes for millions of Nigerians.
Earlier, presenting the findings, Lead Investigator, Dr Gafar Alawode, noted that the situation had pushed hospitals to a breaking point, with a growing number of patients seeking emergency care due to complications from untreated diabetes.
“The poorest Nigerians now require over 600 per cent of their annual income to manage the disease. As a result, we are seeing fewer patients in clinics and more in emergency rooms,” Alawode explained.
Gatefield’s Advocacy Lead, Ms Shirley Ewang, explained the need for government intervention, proposing a diabetes drug subsidy funded through increased sugar taxes.
Ewang pointed out that WHO recommends a minimum 20 per cent tax on sugar-sweetened beverages to both reduce consumption and fund essential health initiatives.
NAN recalls that during the summit, a documentary titled “The Silent Epidemic: Diabetes in Nigeria” was unveiled, featuring former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who shared his battle with the disease.
Obasanjo urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles and the importance of diet and exercise in managing diabetes.
Meanwhile, the rising cost of diabetes treatment, with some medications like Lantus now priced at N150,000 per pack, has left many patients unable to afford their prescriptions.
Experts at the summit warned that without immediate action, the situation would worsen, with dire consequences for public health.
Mr Tobe Oloye, a Pharmacist and one of the panelists, said: “Skipping doses due to financial strain has led to poor adherence to treatment, increasing the burden on our healthcare system.”
Another speaker, including a Nutritionist, Ms Ify Omesiete and Dr Asmau Ribadu of Hope for Her Foundation, highlighted the disproportionate impact of diabetes on women, particularly during pregnancy, and the need for early prevention efforts starting in the home.
NAN reports that the 2024 Gatefield Health Summit gathered global health leaders to address the growing crisis of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.
Discussions focused on the role of fiscal policies, primary healthcare, and environmental factors in disease prevention and control. (NAN)
