Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Namibia faces a health challenge, with an estimated 90,000 people living with diabetes, as revealed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Officer in Charge, Mary Nana Ama Brantuo, during the commemoration of World Diabetes Day in Windhoek this week.
“In Namibia, available statistics reveal that nearly seven percent of Namibian adults have diabetes, with an estimated 90,000 people living with the condition,” she stated, highlighting the urgent need for attention and collaborative efforts to address the growing concern.
Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Esther Utjiua Muinjangue, delivered remarks under the global theme ‘access to diabetes care’ on the same occasion stressed the severe consequences of diabetes on individuals, families, and communities, urging a joint effort across sectors, from businesses to ministries, to confront the looming threat that diabetes poses to the healthcare system.
She said the government has initiatives that include nationwide diabetic screening programs and the ongoing development of essential health services packages.
She emphasised the importance of increasing access to diabetes prevention and care, showcasing government commitment to rolling out diabetic screening programs across all regions.
“Increasing access to diabetes prevention and care, the government through the Ministry of Health and Social Services has rolled out diabetic screening programs at all health facilities across all regions. In line with the theme of ‘access to diabetes care,’ Namibia has developed the Essential Health Services Package, which is under review, and opted to develop a Universal Health Coverage Policy and Non-communicable disease guidelines, both at an advanced stage,” she said.
Resonating the global theme spanning 2021-2023, Muinjangue stressed the significance of early detection, treatment and lifestyle adjustments to control diabetes, urging the public to be proactive in seeking screening and adhering to prescribed medications.
“There are some myths associated with diabetes. Being overweight should not be seen as a sign of good living but as a risk factor. Again, eating too many sugary products does not directly cause one to suffer from diabetes; however, it should be understood that it can increase your risk of acquiring diabetes. Diabetes does not discriminate; it affects all, poor or rich, adults as well as children,” said Muinjangue.
Brantuo, echoing the urgency of addressing the diabetes crisis globally, quoted staggering statistics, highlighting that over 537 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes and that the number is expected to rise to 643 million by 2030.
She emphasised the need for collective action, advocating for serious consideration of diabetes prevention through adopting a healthy lifestyle.
“Countries need to invest in making essential oral anti-diabetes medicines, insulin, glucometers, and test strips available to all communities. This should be backed by training health workers in diabetes prevention and management at the district and community level towards improving service availability,” she stated.
