The National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR) in partnership with Persons Living with Diabetes in Nigeria, has launched a compelling call-to-action campaign calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently come to the aid of people living with diabetes who are grappling with the exorbitant cost of insulin and other medications.
The vice president of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Berard Enya made the call at the press briefing held in Abuja.
The coalition is calling on President Tinubu to increase and allocate revenue from Nigeria’s sugary drinks tax towards the treatment and care of people living with diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
He laments that Since 2022, the price of 10 millilitres of insulin has soared from N3,500 to approximately N11,000 in 2024.
“We would prefer that a particular fund under a specific framework be put in place for intervention on diabetes strictly either in the form of free tests or subsidized drugs because we have another non-communicable disease.
“People with non-communicable diseases are facing the toughest moment of their life, we have done the framework and presented it as a proposal to the government, the government need to look at the document and call us for robust engagement.
The government alone cannot do it, the civil societies who are involved in this advocacy are not relenting in our efforts until the federal government give us the needed attention.
*Additionally, insulin pens now cost around N65,000 each. Managing diabetes requires substantial funds, with people living with diabetes spending over N100,000 monthly on insulin, syringes and vital equipment such as glucometers to monitor blood sugar levels”.
The coalition called on the President to increase and allocate revenue from Nigeria’s sugary drinks tax toward the treatment and care of people living with diabetes and other NCDs.
“Currently, the tax stands at 1.67% of the retail price, while the World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 20%. Research suggests that raising the tax to this level could generate N729 billion ($471.8 million USD) annually, supporting much-needed healthcare initiatives, including diabetes care.
The campaign launched across print and online features striking images that tell the stories of individuals living with diabetes particularly the financial toll of insulin and other essential medications on their wellbeing.
“Insulin costs have skyrocketed in recent times, making it unaffordable for many diabetes patients. With an estimated 11.2 million Nigerians living with type 2 diabetes, it is crucial for the government to take action. Implementing higher taxes on sugary drinks can generate substantial revenue for the government, which can be used to fund diabetes treatment and care, ultimately saving and safeguarding lives.”
The Vice-chairman of the Network of People Impacted by Cancer in Nigeria, Gloria Chinyere Okwu harps on the need for patients to join the advocacy.
“Patient advocacy plays a role, that is why we keep encouraging patients to come forward with their struggles so that we can have the backing of CSOs.
“We are here speaking about the cost of drugs that have increased by 500% because we experienced it. I urge other people living with different NCDs to come and join us in this advocacy because that is the only way we can create awareness from experienced perspective”.