Group urges FG, States to show financial commitment to addressing diabetes burden

November 17, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government, FG, and State authorities to demonstrate financial commitment towards reducing the risk of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.

This appeal comes after the World Diabetes Day celebration, where CAPPA reiterated its call for an upward review of the country’s budgetary allocation to the health sector and the N10/litre excise duty on sugar sweetened beverages, a known driver of diabetes.

According to CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, “Nigeria is grappling with a significant burden of non-communicable diseases, with 1 in 17 adults – roughly 11.2 million Nigerians – living with diabetes. This health crisis extends beyond the health sector, affecting the country’s social and economic environment.”

The World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and other international organizations recommend implementing effective policy measures like the SSB Tax to reduce the desirability and accessibility of unhealthy diets, protecting public health.

With the theme ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps’ for this year’s World Diabetes Day, CAPPA urges state authorities to demonstrate their commitment by implementing effective food policies guaranteeing Nigerians access to healthy diets.

Additionally, CAPPA calls on the government to channel revenue generated from the SSB tax towards improving healthcare infrastructure and subsidizing disease management costs.

This appeal is timely, considering the alarming prevalence and projections of diabetes worldwide.

A recent study published in The Lancet revealed that approximately 529 million people were living with diabetes in 2021, with a global age-standardized prevalence of 6.1%.

The study projected a worrying trend, with the global age-standardized diabetes prevalence expected to increase by 59.7% by 2050.