Individuals with diabetes in Nigeria are calling upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address their concerns, emphasizing the impact of the disease on the livelihoods of over 11 million affected people and their dependents. The Diabetes Association of Nigeria's Secretary, Bernard Enyia, presented five demands during the World Diabetes Day commemoration in Abuja.
Enyia highlighted the financial strain on patients and caregivers due to the doubled cost of insulin. The demands include a 20% tax on sugary beverages to combat the economic implications of the disease on the affected population. The patients also seek increased health promotion and awareness regarding the dangers of sugary drink consumption, advocating for restrictions on the marketing of such drinks to encourage healthier choices.
Additionally, the plea includes the improvement of access to primary health care by appointing diabetes desk officers at state health ministries and the institution of free diabetes screening and testing services at public health facilities. Enyia, a diabetes patient since 2008, stressed the necessity of the President's involvement and executive action to prompt government intervention.
Enyia expressed concern about the challenging access to diabetes care in Nigeria, citing the lack of reliable data on diabetes morbidity and mortality. He highlighted the financial hardships faced by patients due to irregular out-of-pocket expenditures, contributing to a significant economic burden amounting to $4.5 billion annually.
While urging Nigerians to prioritize a healthy lifestyle for prevention, Enyia emphasized the importance of pro-health tax policies. He argued that taxes on sugary drinks could discourage consumption, improve health culture, and generate revenue for health programs benefiting those with diabetes. Enyia urged the government not to ignore the patients' demands, asserting that proactive measures are crucial to protecting citizens and the economy.
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