NEWS
Inflation Threatens Access to Diabetes Care for Low-income Nigerians – Stakeholders
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have raised concerns about the growing impact of inflation on the ability of millions of Nigerians to afford life-saving diabetes care.
The stakeholders said that with inflation tightening its grip on the country’s economy, many people living with diabetes are struggling to afford their medications and essential healthcare services.
They spoke at the 2024 Gatefield Health Summit, themed “Beyond 65,” in Abuja on Wednesday,
At the summit, global health leaders and advocates gathered to discuss the escalating crisis of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes, in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
Report says that in the region, NCDs are responsible for 37 per cent of all deaths, accounting for more than one in three deaths.
Dr Garfa Alawode, Co-convener of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC2023) Forum, a United Nations high level meeting, presented a research titled “Impact of Inflation on Affordability and Adherence to Anti-diabetics”.
Alawode’s research highlighted how inflation had severely affected diabetes management, especially for those in the lowest income brackets.
According to the research, the cost of managing diabetes has increased significantly from 2023 to 2024, with the lowest-income earners being hit hardest.
He revealed that the average cost of managing diabetes for individuals in the lowest income quintile had risen by nearly 40 per cent.
While the research said that the average annual income for this group is around N500,000, he said that the cost of diabetes management now stood at N350,000.
“This leaves little room for other essential needs such as food, housing, and transportation.
“Data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) further illustrates that inflation is disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations.
“Even middle-income families are feeling the pressure, often cutting back on other healthcare expenses to afford diabetes care,” he said.
For Mrs Adeola Johnson, a 48-year-old diabetic from Lagos, the rising cost of medication has become unbearable.
“I used to spend N15,000 a month on my medications in 2023. Now, it is nearly N25,000, and I just can not keep up. Some days, I have to skip doses,” Johnson said.
On primary healthcare challenges and solutions, Dr Biobele Davidson of the BudgIt Foundation, and Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) addressed the broader challenges in Nigeria’s PHC system.
Davidson highlighted the need for better-resourced PHCs that could reduce overcrowding in secondary and tertiary hospitals.
She pointed out that many PHCs were underfunded and understaffed, limiting their effectiveness, particularly in managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
She also advocated for using digital platforms to capture patient feedback and improve service delivery, especially in medication access.
She said that strengthening PHCs would relieve pressure on higher-level hospitals and enhance overall health outcomes.
Supply chain expert, Mrs Azuka Okeke, Regional Director of the Africa Resource Centre (ARC), discussed the negative impact of Nigeria’s chaotic supply chains on healthcare delivery.
Okeke highlighted that while policies and frameworks existed their implementation often fell short, particularly in ensuring access to essential medicines at local healthcare facilities.
She recalled her engagement with pharmaceutical companies in 2018, urging them to produce essential medicines, like malaria treatments, that communities relying on PHCs desperately need.
She said that neglecting public health needs would eventually have consequences for all, including the pharmaceutical companies themselves.
The two-day summit concluded with a documentary that captured the daily struggles of Nigerians living with diabetes.
The documentary showcased how some Nigerians spend up to 25 per cent of their income on medication, underscoring the human toll of the disease.
Diabetes management is not only a daily battle for many but also a matter of life and death for others, who lose loved ones to preventable complications.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also shared his personal journey with diabetes, stressing the importance of diet and exercise in managing the condition as one ages.
His message resonated with the summit’s goal of raising awareness about diabetes and its management.
The documentary served as a poignant reminder of the significant impact diabetes had on the lives of many Nigerians.(NAN
Dr Emmanuel Ahmadu, a Nigerian who wrote the West Africa School Senior Certificate Education 17 times, has earned a distinction from the prestigious London Graduate School in the UK.
Ahmadu, a Nigerian mental health advocate and accomplished professional based in the U.S., disclosed this in an interview in Lagos.
He said that he was also inducted as a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) in Lagos.
Ahmadu said that the formal induction ceremony and certification workshop took place in Lagos and UK on Nov.
26, where he was lauded for his exceptional contributions.According to him, this dual honour highlights his inspiring journey from writing O’level examinations 17 times, due to family instability, to becoming a globally recognised figure in mental health advocacy and consultancy.
Ahmadu said his new accolades would significantly amplify his global impact, which would enable him to contribute further to addressing mental health challenges, particularly among Gen Z, teenagers, and adolescents.
“My Fellowship, the highest grade of membership in the Institute of Management Consultants, will position me as a thought leader equipped to provide innovative strategies in tackling depression and suicide.
“This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a step forward in the global fight against mental health crises.
“It’s a call to action to innovate solutions that inspire hope and resilience”.
The Institute of Management Consultants, in its nomination statement, praised Ahmadu’s “outstanding academic and professional standing and demonstrated commitment to creating, maintaining, extending, and promoting the highest world standards of management consulting practice.”
Ahmadu said: “My certification as a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) will further enhance my credentials, making me to offer my expertise across over 50 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom,” he said.
He said that his personal story had resonated globally, inspiring millions.
“A childhood marked by instability saw me attend 16 primary schools and 14 secondary schools, yet I persevered, ultimately earning two honorary doctorates and publishing in mental health journals”.
On Instagram (@mr.voiceover), Ahmadu shared, “Nothing is impossible with God.
“I’m forever grateful for this life-changing moment and determined to keep pushing forward in this journey to make a positive difference in the world. Glory be to God almighty,” he said.
He said that Prof. David Iornem, Director-General of IMC Nigeria, during the induction, remarked that he (Ahmadu) exemplified the transformative power of resilience.
“His expertise and leadership will undoubtedly elevate global efforts in mental health advocacy and management consultancy,” said Iornem. (NAN)
A bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which mandates compulsory counseling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offenses, was sponsored by Rep.
Kayode Akiolu (APC-Lagos State) during plenary on Wednesday.Leading the debate, Akiolu explained that the bill sought to amend Section 67 of the principal Act, introducing new provisions that were not part of the original section.
“These additional provisions, found in subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the amendment bill, require judges and magistrates to not only impose imprisonment and/or fines on those convicted of corruption but also mandate a minimum four-week anti-corruption counseling and training.
“The counseling and training will be designed and delivered by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) and aims to address the psychological factors related to corrupt behaviour.”
Akiolu emphasised that the training would help reform convicts by addressing their corrupt tendencies and could even transform them into advocates for anti-corruption efforts.
He added that this approach aligned with the reformative aspect of the criminal justice system, which focused not just on punishment but also on rehabilitation.
“As per subsection 4, the bill allows magistrates and judges to order convicts to cover the cost of their counseling and training, preventing additional financial burdens on the government.”
Akiolu further argued that if the bill is passed into law, it would strengthen the country’s fight against corruption.
He urged the House to support the bill for the country’s benefit, given the widespread negative impact of corruption.
Following the debate, the Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.(NAN)
Chairman of the 11th Kwara Trade Fair Organising Committee, Mr Abu Salami, on Wednesday in Ilorin called for more focus on production and industrialisation via agriculture and livestock development.
Salami said that the sector had the potential to create jobs and wealth for youths and women while contributing to the state’s economic growth and prosperity.
“We are thrilled to be marking a significant milestone in the history of our Trade Fair which began on Friday at the Kwara State Sports Stadium Complex and will end on Monday.
“As we move forward, I urge us all to focus on production and industrialisation via agriculture and livestock development.
“This sector has the potential to create jobs and wealth for our youths and women, ultimately contributing to the state’s economic growth and prosperity.
“Let us work together to create a brighter future for ourselves, our children and our state.
“Let us harness our collective energy, creativity and resources to drive economic development and improve the lives of our citizens,” Salami, who is the First Deputy President of Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA), said.
He added that a collective passion for KWACCIMA’s vision and mission was crucial in achieving success.
Speaking also to newsmen, the President of KWACCIMA, Mrs Ronke Adeyemi, said the Trade Fair, like the others before it, was specially designed.
She said it was designed for businessmen and women to showcase their products and services to the world with a view to attracting customers and investors to the state.
Adeyemi said Kwara was not only blessed with human, natural and agricultural resources but also strategically located in the middle of the country.
“This allows for favourable weather conditions that is good for the growth of diverse agricultural products,” she said.
The KWACCIMA President noted that, like the rest of the world, Nigeria was passing through a difficult economic period.
“This is taking its toll on businesses, and this is why our theme for this year’s Trade Fair is ‘Unlocking Investment Potential of Kwara State for Sustainable Economic Development’.
“The sharp rise in the cost of fuel and electricity in our country are dealing big blows on our economy.
“But these hard times also have an advantage.
“We are forced to think outside of the box, not only in the effective management of our resources, but also to develop new business ideas that are capable of improving our lives as a people.”
Adeyemi pointed out that Kwara was blessed with good weather, mineral resources, fertile land and a healthy population consisting of all cadres of people.
“This year’s Trade Fair is therefore aimed at drawing the attention of investors and the business community to the limitless opportunities that abound.
“We have on display products from our intellect, factories and from our farms.
“Our people in (Ministry of) Commerce are here with their wares and our local government areas have come with samples of products available in their localities.
“We implore our guests to go round and see our products and patronise our people”, she said.
The KWACCIMA President then expressed her appreciation of the governor of Kwara for the development of the private sector in the state and his generosity in hosting the Trade Fair.
“We seize this opportunity to acknowledge the urban renewal programme now embarked upon by the Kwara government to beautify our cities.
“This is a welcome development that has largely corrected the distortion of the landscape of llorin in particular and we appreciate the governor for this bold step,” Adeyemi said.
She however pleaded for nano and small-scale business owners whose shops and sources of livelihood have been greatly affected by the development to be resettled in another market area.
“Our kind and compassionate governor should assist these groups with the provision of a resettlement market where they can continue their businesses without hindrance.
“Times are really very hard now and every help received will go a long way in alleviating the condition of our people.”(NAN)
Nigerian Who Wrote WASSCE 17 Times Bags Distinction from London School
Share Dr Emmanuel Ahmadu, a Nigerian who wrote the West Africa School Senior Certificate Education 17 times, has earned a...
INEC Staff Welfare Association Warns Members Against Manipulating Election Results
Share The Abia Chapter of the INEC Staff Welfare Association (ISWA) has warned its members to uphold the integrity of...
Bill for Compulsory Counselling, Training of Convicts Scales 2nd Reading
ShareA bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, has successfully passed its second reading in...
Pay Attention to Industrialisation, Agriculture to Create Jobs —- Trade Fair Official
Share Chairman of the 11th Kwara Trade Fair Organising Committee, Mr Abu Salami, on Wednesday in Ilorin called for more...
Police Detain 2 Suspects, Recover 25 Stolen Phones in Borno
Share The Nigerian Police Command in Borno has apprehended two suspects and recovered 25 stolen mobile phones during a stop-and-search...
Education, key to Changing Nigeria, says NTI D-G
Share Prof. Sadiya Sani-Daura, Director-General, National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, says education is key to changing and transforming Nigeria in...
Wike’s Aide Refutes Land Grabbing Allegations Against FCTA
Share Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital...
COAS to Criminal Elements: Pack out of Nigeria
Share The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has warned criminal elements to pack out of the country,...
NEMA Donates Relief Materials to Victims of Bandits’ Attacks in Zamfara
ShareThe National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Wednesday donated relief materials to victims of bandits’ attacks, flood disaster and Internally...
Fanwo Condoles NUJ Vice President, Adeiza, Over Wife’s Demise
ShareFrom Joseph Amedu, Lokoja The Kogi State Commissioner of Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo has expressed sorrow over the untimely...