On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 4, health professionals and patient associations in Senegal have launched a plea to strengthen prevention, improve access to care, and break the taboo surrounding this chronic disease. According to Baye Oumar GUÈYE, president of the Senegalese Association for Support and Assistance to Diabetics (Assad), 87% of patients come from vulnerable families, making access to care particularly difficult in a developing country.
The monthly cost of managing diabetes is estimated to be around 75,000 CFA francs, a significant burden for households in Senegal. GUÈYE noted that the high cost of hospitalizations and care is a major concern, especially for families who are already vulnerable. He emphasized that diabetes is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management, and the financial burden can be overwhelming.
The Assad association is advocating for the full integration of diabetes into the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan, which would ensure equitable access to care, particularly in rural areas. This appeal appears to have resonated with the Ministry of Health, which has expressed support for the initiative. By integrating diabetes into the UHC plan, patients would have better access to care and treatment.
GUÈYE also highlighted the dual burden of denial and ignorance of the disease, which leads to late diagnosis and complications. The association is calling on the population to undergo early screening to avoid preventable complications and to empower patients to manage their condition effectively. The goal is to move patients from dependence to autonomy.
Professor Abdoulaye LÈYE, a diabetologist-endocrinologist at Pikine Hospital, reported that the prevalence of diabetes in Senegal has increased from 3% to 4.2%, affecting people over 50 and 60 years old more severely. He emphasized the importance of early screening, citing the alarming reality that four out of five people with diabetes are unaware of their condition.
LÈYE stressed that early diagnosis, prevention, and a rigorous lifestyle are essential in managing diabetes. He also highlighted the importance of therapeutic education, which enables patients and their families to understand the condition and prevent serious complications such as dialysis or amputation.
This year's World Diabetes Day, themed "Act Early Against Diabetes," emphasizes the need for early diagnosis, prevention, and lifestyle changes. Health experts and patient associations in Senegal are working together to raise awareness about diabetes, promote prevention, and improve access to care, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Key points
- 87% of diabetes patients in Senegal come from vulnerable families.
- The monthly cost of managing diabetes is estimated to be around 75,000 CFA francs.
- Four out of five people with diabetes in Senegal are unaware of their condition.
