In an open letter signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Bernard Enyia, the group described the situation as a “Save Our Souls” cry, citing rising deaths and economic hardship caused by the high cost of insulin and other essential medicines.
According to Enyia, diabetes patients in the state have been “neglected, marginalized, and discriminated against” for years, as the State Ministry of Health has no program, budget allocation, or desk officer dedicated to diabetes care.
He recalled leading a peaceful advocacy campaign on 28th August 2024 to highlight the insulin crisis, but lamented that their demands “fell on deaf ears.”
“While government provides free immunization, HIV testing, TB treatment, malaria bed nets, and leprosy drugs across all 18 LGAs, nothing is being done for diabetes patients who are equally taxpayers and voters,” the statement read.
The group listed several concerns, including:
• Lack of diabetes services in the state’s health insurance scheme.
• Absence of trained diabetes educators in public health facilities.
• Rising deaths among prominent citizens linked to diabetes complications.
• Neglect of World Diabetes Day observance for over 15 years.
The Network also highlighted its own contributions, such as setting up diabetes clubs, donating medical test kits, organizing outreach programs with security agencies, and supporting community screenings during public health events.
In light of these challenges, the association urged Governor Otu to:
• Direct the Ministry of Health to appoint a diabetes desk officer.
• Allocate funds for diabetes intervention in the 2025 state budget.
• Expand the state health insurance scheme to cover insulin and other essential drugs.
• Integrate diabetes care into the primary health care system.
• Subsidize diabetes medicines and make screening free at public facilities.
• Provide mobility support for amputees and organize annual World Diabetes Day activities.
Enyia concluded by reminding the Governor that many members of the network are card-carrying APC supporters who voted for him, stressing that inclusion in health programs would reflect the administration’s promise of an “inclusive government.”
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