In Nigeria, a staggering 80% of diabetic patients finance their medical bills through personal income or family support, with less than 10% having insurance coverage for essential medications and tests.[1] This low financial protection, coupled with the effect of inflation on the prices of antidiabetic medications has reduced diabetic patients’ adherence to treatment due to unaffordability.

To assess the extent of this challenge, DGI Consult conducted an assessment of the implications of the prevailing inflation on access to anti-diabetic drugs in Nigeria, funded by Gatefield. The assessment provided valuable insights into the economic barriers faced by diabetic patients to provide evidence for interventions to promote equitable access to diabetes care and improved health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

The research involved an extensive desk review of relevant literature, key informant interviews (KIIs) with a diverse stakeholder. As part of the recommendations from the study, the establishment of a Facility for Affordable Anti-diabetic Medications (FAAM) was proposed. DGI Consult is currently engaging key stakeholders on the establishment of the FAAM as a key subsidization mechanism aimed at mitigating the burden of inflation on diabetic patients, thereby thereby mitigating the risk of complications and improving long-term health outcomes.

[1] O. A. Fasanmade and S. Dagogo-Jack, “Diabetes Care in Nigeria,” Annals of Global Health, vol. 81, no. 6. Elsevier USA, pp. 821–829, Nov. 01, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.aogh.2015.12.012.