Diabetes Advocacy and Care in Nigeria
Keywords:
Diabetes, Non-communicable diseases, Advocacy, Primary careAbstract
Background: The political commitments necessary to tackle the growing burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have increased in recent years in Nigeria. This has resulted in the development of a national policy and strategic objectives by the Federal Ministry of Health for the prevention and control of NCDs in Nigeria. This presentation aims to highlight the increasing burden of Diabetes and related NCDs in Nigeria and the need for a robust advocacy, policy and care frame-work for integrating Diabetes into primary healthcare in Nigeria.
Method: Information for this review was sourced from international and local healthcare policies and plans of action including advocacy activities. The information was sourced using online search and existing literature with the following keywords Diabetes; Non-communicable diseases; advocacy; primary care.
Results: The issues for Diabetes advocacy in Nigeria are the Provision of Integrated Diabetes/NCDs care at the primary level, Awareness about Diabetes and related NCDs, Mobilization for increased political will, Strengthening of the Health system (funding, infrastructure, capacity building etc) and the lack of an updated National NCDs survey. Advocacy for NCDs, change in the National NCD policy and the establishment of care framework are essential components in the prevention and control of diabetes. There is a large evidence base supporting the implementation of these cost-effective primary interventions which have been adopted in Nigeria since 2013 at the policy and action plan level.
Conclusion: Diabetes and related NCDs are increasing in prevalence in Nigeria and their complications pose an immense public health burden. There is an urgent need for our health decision-makers at all levels to implement adopted policies and plans of action to halt the escalating trend and burden of Diabetes through effective care, especially in rural communities in Nigeria.
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