The International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) Africa in collaboration with the National Diabetes Association-Ghana has launched the 2024 World Diabetes Day with the distribution of free JANUVIA medication to type 2 adult diabetic patients across the country.
The distribution of the JANUVIA drugs is aimed at enhancing access to essential diabetes medication and bringing greater cognizance to the rising rate of diabetes in Ghana
JANUVIA, produced in the United States by Merck & Co., is an oral medication taken once a day designed to help adults with type 2 diabetes control blood sugar levels effectively.
World Diabetes Day is celebrated worldwide on November 14th. The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes as a critical global public health issue and emphasize the collective and individual actions needed to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and management of the condition.
This year’s celebration is on the theme: ‘’Diabetes and Wellbeing’’
Addressing a press conference in Accra, the Chairperson of the IDF, and President of the National Diabetes Association-Ghana, Mrs Elizabeth Denyoh, highlighted the rising cases of diabetes in Ghana and Africa as a whole.
According to her, the World Health Organization (WHO), has identified diabetes as a major global health concern, affecting over 400 million people worldwide with cases in Sub-Saharan Africa expected to double by 2025.
She said, diabetes is one of the most serious health threats Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa face today, emphasizing the severe risks associated with unmanaged diabetes which could include: kidney failure. Cardiovascular diseases and blindness.
The association is also calling on the government to help subsidize diabetes medications and supplies citing current support as inadequate, adding that government must prioritize diabetes management.
Through initiatives like JANUVIA’s free distribution and ongoing educational campaigns, the Association aims to make diabetes management resources accessible nationwide with support from the Ministry of Health.
