Diabetes in Nigeria: “We Are Tired of Burying Our Members” – The Urgent Call for Better Wound Care
Summary: This article from People’s Daily Newspaper spotlights the Diabetes Association of Nigeria’s (DAN) frustration with soaring mortality rates among diabetic patients, particularly from complications like foot ulcers and infections due to unaffordable treatments and poor access to care. Chairman Prince Don Ejiro recounts tragic cases of members dying from untreated wounds and dialysis dependency, amid a 30.2 per 100,000 mortality rate for type 2 diabetes. It calls for government subsidies on medications, local drug manufacturing, and widespread screening to prevent ulcers and amputations, underscoring the need for integrated wound management in resource-limited settings where 70% of patients are retirees unable to afford basics like insulin (N25,000/$15 for 3-4 days) or test kits (N40,000/$27).
Key Highlights:
- Mortality stats: 30.2 per 100,000 for type 2 diabetes in Nigeria (95% CI: 14.6-45.8); case fatality 22% (95% CI: 8.0-36.0); many deaths from untreated foot ulcers and infections.
- Foot ulcer crisis: Common in DAN members; untreated injuries lead to rapid deterioration, especially with comorbidities like hypertension; “some members suffer from injuries, foot ulcer,” per Ejiro, often fatal due to cost barriers.
- Access issues: Insulin N25,000 ($15) for 3-4 days; wound care supplies unaffordable; 70% retirees without support; brain drain leaves 1:2753 doctor-patient ratio vs. WHO’s 1:600.
- Prevention gaps: Rare voluntary screening; diagnoses only during illness; Ejiro: “You hardly see any Nigerian voluntarily going for screening… All of us got diagnosed when we were sick.”
- Calls for action: Subsidize drugs/kits via DAN partnerships; encourage local manufacturing for affordability; intensify awareness campaigns; improve infrastructure to reduce “heartbreaking” deaths from “lack of proper care.”
Keywords: diabetic foot ulcers, diabetes mortality, wound care access, diabetes screening, Nigeria healthcare