Coalition unveils campaign to reduce price of insulin in Nigeria

The National Action on Sugar Reduction, in partnership with Persons Living with Diabetes in Nigeria, have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the high cost of diabetes treatment in the country.

The groups also urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the exorbitant cost of insulin and other medications for people living with diabetes.

The Vice President, Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Mr Bernard Enyia lamented the situation during the launch on Monday in Abuja.

Enyia lamented the cost of insulin in recent times, making it unaffordable for many diabetic patients across the country.

“With an estimated 11.2 million Nigerians living with type 2 diabetes, it is crucial for the government to take action.

“Also, 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,” Enyia said.

He said that through this campaign, the NASR aims to drive policymaker action towards supporting people living with diabetes through policy best buys such as raising taxes on the consumption of sugary drinks.

“Since 2022, the price of 10 millilitres of insulin has soared from N3,500 to approximately N11,000 in 2024. 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,”  he stated.

Enyia called on the president 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 in the country, saying that currently, the tax stands at 1.67 per cent of the retail price, while the World Health Organisation recommends a minimum of 20 per cent.

He said, “Research suggests that raising the tax to this level could generate N729 billion ($471.8m) annually, supporting much-needed healthcare initiatives, including diabetes care.”

“Diabetes took my eye. Insulin prices could take my life.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the WHO issued a warning indicating that NCDs are poised to become the leading cause of mortality in Africa by 2030 unless swift actions are taken by member states.

The 2018 WHO country profiles showed that NCDs accounted for 29 per cent of all deaths in Nigeria with Cardiovascular diseases responsible for 11 per cent of all NCD deaths.

NAN reports that the NASR is a coalition dedicated to raising awareness of the health harms of sugary drinks and advocating policies that promote public health in Nigeria.

NAN