As the world celebrates World Diabetes Day on November 14, Nigerians living with diabetes are confronting a painful reality.
With this year’s theme, “Early Action on Diabetes,” attention is on early diagnosis, risk reduction and access to care. But for many patients in Nigeria, the challenge goes beyond early detection to affording medication, special diets and regular medical checks.
Patients say the rising cost of treatment has pushed them into financial hardship, forcing them to ration prescribed drugs, compromise their diets or go for days without medication.
Many pay for care out-of-pocket, as health insurance coverage remains limited and does not cover all diabetes medications and services.
Experts warn that late diagnosis and high cost of treatment remain major challenges, with millions of Nigerians living with the condition without knowing their status.
Health advocates are calling for diabetes care to be fully integrated into health insurance, subsidised medications, and improved access to care at primary health facilities.
Source: The Guardian