By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The National Diabetes Association of Ghana has announced a landmark initiative to distribute 300 boxes of diabetes medication called JANUVIA, free of charge, to adult patients with type 2 diabetes nationwide.
The launch of the initiative coincided with the launch of 2024 World Diabetes Day in Accra.
The free nationwide distribution of the JANUVIA, medication aims to improve access to critical diabetes management resources and raise awareness about the growing prevalence of diabetes in Ghana.
JANUVIA, produced by Merck & Co., Inc., is a once-daily oral medication designed to help lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
According to experts, it works uniquely by adjusting to the body’s needs, lowering blood sugar when it is too high, and reducing its effect when levels are low.
The medication’s ability to complement lifestyle changes like diet and exercise makes it an important addition to the care options available to diabetes patients in Ghana.
Addressing journalists at a press conference, Mrs. Elizabeth Esi Denyoh, Chairperson of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Africa and President of the National Diabetes Association (NDA) of Ghana, emphasized the alarming rise in diabetes cases across the country and the continent.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified diabetes as a major global health threat, with an estimated 425 million people affected worldwide. For sub-Saharan Africa, diabetes cases are projected to double by 2025.
“Diabetes is one of the most serious health threats we face today,” Mrs. Denyoh stated, pointing to the risks associated with unmanaged diabetes, including blindness, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease.
Access to affordable and effective medication she said is critical in addressing the increasing rate at which the disease is spreading. “So today, we are grateful to offer JANUVIA for free to support Ghanaians with type 2 diabetes.” She added.
The Chairperson of IDF Africa and President of NDA Ghana explained that the initiative highlights the importance of community healthcare providers in the fight against diabetes.
According to her, most diabetes patients in Ghana are primarily treated by general physicians. For this and many other reasons, the Association’s outreach will include partnerships with all stakeholders to deliver diabetes education and clinical support for healthcare workers across the country.
“The Association is also advocating for government subsidies for diabetic medications and supplies, noting that current support for diabetes care remains insufficient.
The Association also aims to make diabetes management resources accessible nationwide through initiatives like free distribution of JANUVIA and ongoing educational campaigns in collaboration with the Ministry of Health,” she hinted.
Mrs. Denyoh urged the Ghanaian government to prioritize diabetes management, stressing the economic and public health benefits of early intervention and prevention.
She again highlighted her outfit’s plans to train healthcare workers on diabetes management, promote exercise in schools, and integrate healthy food options, such as fruits, into the school feeding program.
“Education and access to medication are the strongest tools we have against this disease, thus the free distribution of JANUVIA which is an important step forward in raising awareness and providing tangible support for diabetes management in Ghana, especially for underserved communities,” Mrs. Denyoh.
