It is with
profound gratitude and support, I write to commend a Honourable member of the National House of
Representative, Hon. Yomi Ogunnusi of Ifako/Ijaye Federal Constituency of Lagos
State, who moved a motion for a National Policy on Diabetes in Nigeria. It is
no longer news that Diabetes mellitus is on the increase in our community.
Those of us who work daily creating awareness to prevent this serious chronic
condition see the suffering Diabetes brings on individuals and families.
The
political declaration of UN high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases
(NCDs), held in 2011, committed member states to a comprehensive set of actions
to prevent and treat NCDs, with a specific goal to strengthen national
multisectoral plans by the end of 2013. The declaration emphasized the need for
a whole of government policy response, and recognized that to be effective,
national actions need to go beyond the health system to address the social
determinants of health and prevent exposure to NCD risk factors that are common
to the four major NCDs: Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke),
cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Diabetes. National governments
should also collaborate with other sectors in society, such as civil society,
academia, and when relevant and appropriate, the private sector. Cost effective
interventions are essential to achieve the agreed global target of a 25%
reduction in premature NCD mortality by 2025 ( The 25 by 25 goal)
I urge other
members of the National Assembly including the senate to give this motion a
speedy hearing to ensure that not just National policy for Diabetes is
instituted but use of Guidelines be enforced for standardization of treatment
and care and incorporating Diabetes into the MDGs come 2015.
Isaac Yakubu Akogu
Pharmacist/Diabetes Educator
Conversation Map Expert Trainer
www.diabetesguidenigeria.blogspot.com,
08176179496
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