The Diabetes Association of Nigeria has revealed that about 11.2 million Nigerians are currently living with diabetes, with 90% of them having type 2 diabetes.
The disease affects any part of the body and is projected to increase to 737 million by 2040 if not addressed. The association’s president, Dr Alkali Mohammed, argued that the government should increase the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) from 10% to 20% to improve health culture and environment.
He also called for the government to use at least 60% of the tax generated for public enlightenment, prevention, and subsidising of drugs, especially for diabetes patients. He also called for enrolment of some Nigerians into the health insurance scheme.
The National Action on Sugar Reduction, a group advocating for policy to curb the consumption of SSBs linked to non-communicable diseases, has stated that diabetes indirectly costs Nigeria about 4.5 billion dollars yearly.
The group also highlighted the need for Nigeria to take proper action to reduce the burden of NCDs from the consumption of SSBs.
