FG outlines six strategies to reduce diabetes in Nigeria

The Federal Government has outlined six critical strategies to reduce the risk factors associated with diabetes and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.
Prof. Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Health, disclosed this during a joint press briefing to commemorate the 2016 World Health Day in Abuja on Thursday.
The focus of the 2016 World Health Day campaign is on Diabetes with the theme: “Beat Diabetes”.
He said the ministry has adopted the global monitoring frame work for NCDs, development of a National Diabetes Plan and Policy as some of the approaches to stemming the tide of diabetes in Nigeria.
Others include increased monitoring and surveillance systems, engagement and right, improved access to care and sustainable financing for management of diabetes.
According to him, the ministry had adopted the global frame work which focuses on strengthening data collection for the global burden of the disease.
“We have developed a National Policy and Strategic Plan of Action on NCD and a National Nutritional Guideline on NCD Prevention, Control and Management.
“The document lists our local food items with glycaemic index, which provide Nigerians with information to make informed decision on food choices.’’
He added that the ministry was developing a framework for monitoring the surveillance of diabetes, saying that it will help monitor the trend in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes in Nigeria.
He said it would also incorporate the management of chronic illness into the benefit package to be delivered to Nigerians at Primary Care Level.
The minister said the Tobacco Control Act 2015 will further help in implementing stringent tobacco control measures given that tobacco use interferes with wound healing and blood vessels integrity vis-à-vis diabetes management.
Adewole called on ministries and other government institutions to be part of the campaign and help in regulating the cross boarder marketing of foods with high saturated fats, trans-fatty acids and free sugars.
He also urged Nigerians to learn and identify the risk factors associated with diabetes and take step to avoid them.
The minister advised that Nigerians should maintain a healthy weight, eat healthy food and remain physically active.
He advised diabetic patients to adhere to doctor’s advice and keep appointment with their doctors.
Mr Babachir Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, inaugurated the 2016 World Health Day campaign.
He called on the ministry to extend the campaign to include other killer diseases such as hypertension, cervical cancer and obesity.