The World Diabetes Day celebration is currently taking place in Calabar, led by the National Coordinator of the Network of People Living with Diabetes, Comr. Bernard Enyia, in collaboration with Pad Bank and several other organizations.
The event focuses on creating awareness, sensitizing the public, and calling on government agencies, private firms, and industries to extend support to diabetes patients—just as is done for other major health conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and Ebola.
Speaking during the event, Comr. Bernard Enyia expressed deep concern over the suffering and long-standing neglect faced by diabetes patients in Nigeria. He noted that while other health conditions, whether viral or congenital, receive considerable support through national and state health budgets, diabetes still lacks adequate government funding or structured assistance.
He further lamented the rising cost of diabetes medication, explaining that treatment expenses now vary widely depending on the patient’s stage of diabetes. Enyia encouraged the public to take advantage of free screening opportunities provided by NGOs and to regularly check their blood sugar levels.
He also urged people living with diabetes to unite and join existing support platforms across various states, including the active Cross River State diabetes support network.
Those interested in joining were encouraged to reach him via 08032619228.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Comr. Archie Eso, called on government agencies and NGOs to intensify support for diabetes patients, stressing that the cost of insulin and other essential drugs has skyrocketed. He further urged residents to cultivate the habit of regular blood sugar testing to ensure early detection and management.
In conclusion, all stakeholders present unanimously called on the government to allocate dedicated funding for diabetes prevention, management, and patient support across Nigeria.
