CSOs call for urgent action to manage diabetes

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ghana, including the Ghana NCD Alliance, Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, and Generational Growth Foundation, has issued an urgent call for a comprehensive approach to managing diabetes, a rapidly growing health crisis.
The appeal was made in a joint statement signed by Mr. Labram Musah, the National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance, coinciding with World Diabetes Day 2024.

Call for effective policies, affordable healthcare
The CSOs emphasized the need for effective policies to provide people living with diabetes access to affordable, quality healthcare and essential medicines.
They highlighted the importance of raising public awareness about the health, economic, and social impacts of diabetes on individuals and communities.
“World Diabetes Day,” commemorated annually on November 14, serves as a vital platform for education and advocacy against diabetes.
This year’s theme, “Diabetes and Well-being,” will run through 2026, focusing on three essential pillars: physical, societal, and mental well-being.

Promoting healthy lifestyles to reduce risk
The CSOs underscored the need for regular physical activity and healthier diets as preventive measures against type 2 diabetes and essential in managing other forms of the disease.
They noted, “These lifestyle choices are instrumental in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and managing all forms of the disease along with their associated complications.”

Alarming statistics highlight need for increased screening
The Ghana STEP Survey on Diabetes reveals troubling statistics: 70.3% of adults aged 18-69 have never had their blood glucose levels checked, and only 1.9% were diagnosed with diabetes in the past year.
Furthermore, only 15.4% of those diagnosed use insulin, and 34.6% rely on other prescribed medications.
These figures underscore the urgent need for increased diabetes screening and expanded access to treatment across Ghana.
Globally, diabetes affects an estimated 537 million adults aged 20–79, representing 10.5% of the world’s population in this age group.
This figure is projected to reach 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.

Rising diabetes prevalence in Ghana
In Ghana, diabetes cases have surged by 21% over the past decade, driven by rising obesity, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that this trend requires immediate action to prevent further escalation.
The CSOs stressed that limited access to healthcare, especially in rural areas, leads to late diagnoses and preventable complications.

Comprehensive education and policy reform
To combat the growing diabetes crisis, the CSOs called for a nationwide education campaign to promote healthier lifestyle choices and empower individuals to make informed healthcare decisions.
They also recommended a holistic approach that includes mental health support for those affected by diabetes.
They advocated for stronger policies that would allocate resources for essential medications, testing supplies, and affordable healthcare access under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme.
These measures, they noted, would significantly reduce the burden of diabetes in the country.

A call for collaborative action
The CSOs urged all stakeholders—government agencies, healthcare providers, and NGOs—to work together to strengthen diabetes care in Ghana.
“Let us create an environment that supports healthy lifestyle choices, enables early diagnosis, and ensures effective management of diabetes, so that no Ghanaian is left behind,” they stated.
World Diabetes Day, they said, is more than a commemoration; it is a call to action for prioritizing diabetes management and supporting those affected. “Together, we can build a healthier future for all,” they concluded.