National Diabetes Association of Ghana Launches Nationwide JANUVIA Distribution for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes



The National Diabetes Association of Ghana has announced a landmark initiative to distribute 300 boxes of the diabetes medication JANUVIA, free of charge, to adult patients with type 2 diabetes nationwide. This effort, launched in conjunction with the 2024 World Diabetes Day, aims to improve access to critical diabetes management resources and raise awareness about the growing prevalence of diabetes in Ghana.


JANUVIA, produced by Merck & Co., Inc., is a once-daily oral medication designed to help lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It works uniquely by adjusting to the body’s needs, lowering blood sugar when it is too high and reducing its effect when levels are low. The medication's ability to complement lifestyle changes like diet and exercise makes it an important addition to the care options available to diabetes patients in Ghana.


During a press conference led by Mrs. Elizabeth Esi Denyoh, Chairperson of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Africa and President of the National Diabetes Association Ghana, the organization emphasized the alarming rise in diabetes cases across the country and the continent. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified diabetes as a major global health threat, with an estimated 425 million people affected worldwide. For sub-Saharan Africa, diabetes cases are projected to double by 2025.


“Diabetes is one of the most serious health threats we face today,” Mrs. Denyoh stated, pointing to the risks associated with unmanaged diabetes, including blindness, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease. “Access to affordable and effective medication is critical, and we are grateful to be able to offer JANUVIA for free to support Ghanaians with type 2 diabetes.”


The initiative highlights the importance of community healthcare providers in the fight against diabetes. With most diabetes patients in Ghana primarily treated by general physicians, the Association’s outreach includes partnerships to deliver diabetes education and clinical support for healthcare workers across the country. The Association is also advocating for government subsidies for diabetic medications and supplies, noting that current support for diabetes care remains insufficient.


Mrs. Denyoh urged the Ghanaian government to prioritize diabetes management, stressing the economic and public health benefits of early intervention and prevention. She highlighted plans to train healthcare workers on diabetes management, promote exercise in schools, and integrate healthy food options, such as fruits, into the school feeding program.


“Education and access to medication are the strongest tools we have against this disease,” Mrs. Denyoh said. The Association aims to make diabetes management resources accessible nationwide through initiatives like free distribution of JANUVIA and ongoing educational campaigns in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.


The distribution of JANUVIA is seen as an important step forward in raising awareness and providing tangible support for diabetes management in Ghana, especially for underserved communities.

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