Diabetes Association of Nigeria Urges Doubling Sugar Tax for Healthier Nation

Infostride News reports that the Diabetes Association of Nigeria is advocating for a substantial increase in sugar tax from 10% to 20% as a strategic measure to combat the consumption of sugar, a move aimed at curbing the escalating diabetes crisis in the country.

Dr. Alkali Mohammed, the president of the association, revealed that diabetic patients in Nigeria spend an average of N300,000 annually on medications and managing diabetes, contributing to an indirect annual cost to the nation of approximately $4.5 billion.

This alarming revelation was made during the commemoration of the 2023 World Diabetes Day in Abuja, where Dr. Mohammed emphasized the severity of the situation, pointing out that diabetes can impact any part of the body. The global significance of World Diabetes Day lies in its advocacy and awareness efforts, emphasizing the need for collective and individual actions to manage and prevent diabetes. The theme for the 2023 commemoration is “Access to diabetes care.”

According to the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, a staggering 11.2 million Nigerians are currently grappling with diabetes, with 90% of them classified as type 2. This staggering statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the diabetes epidemic. Dr. Umar, the president of the National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR), highlighted the multifaceted impact of diabetes on families, ranging from financial strain to reduced productivity.

Globally, the number of people living with diabetes is recorded at 537 million, a figure projected to surge to 737 million by 2040 if decisive actions are not taken. In Nigeria, the burden of diabetes is particularly high, with underreporting of cases suggesting that the actual number of individuals living with the disease may be even higher.

Dr. Mohammed proposed a substantial increase in the tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) from 10% to 20% as a means of discouraging the consumption of sugary products and fostering a healthier culture. This proposed measure not only aims to address the health implications of excessive sugar intake but also seeks to generate additional revenue for the government.

However, Dr. Mohammed expressed concerns about the utilization of the existing 10% tax on SSBs, highlighting the lack of clarity from the government on its allocation. He called for transparency in this regard, urging the government to allocate at least 60% of the tax revenue to public enlightenment, prevention efforts, and subsidizing drugs, especially for diabetes patients.

Dr. Alhassan-Adamu Umar, the president of NASR, echoed the significant financial burden of diabetes on the nation. As Nigeria grapples with the rising costs and health implications of diabetes, urgent and effective measures are imperative to alleviate the burden and improve the well-being of millions affected by this debilitating condition.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), as of 2021, approximately 3.6 million cases of diabetes in adults were reported in Nigeria, constituting 3.7% of the adult population. However, a meta-analysis conducted in 2020 suggested a higher figure, indicating that around 6 million adult Nigerians, or 5.8% of the adult population, are suffering from diabetes. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the number to be around 4 million.

It is crucial to note that two-thirds of those with diabetes remain undiagnosed in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this public health challenge. In addition to the diabetes crisis, data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicate that Nigeria’s Human Health and Social Services sector posted a GDP of N1.1 trillion as of 2022, reflecting the significance of healthcare in the country’s economy, further highlighting the need for comprehensive and effective healthcare policies to address the diabetes epidemic and promote overall well-being.