Nigeria Faces Diabetes Crisis as Drug Prices Soar

Health experts in Nigeria raise concerns over the escalating diabetes cases, exacerbated by rising drug prices, making treatment inaccessible to millions. Reports indicate a fourfold increase in adult diabetes cases over three decades, with nearly half lacking essential medication.

Professor Zubairu Ilyasu from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital estimates 11 million Nigerians living with diabetes, a figure potentially higher due to inadequate surveillance. Lifestyle changes, urbanization, and poor diets contribute to the surge in diabetes cases, affecting both affluent and poorer populations.

The Global Diabetes Report 2024 highlights a global quadrupling of diabetes cases since 1990.