Ivory Coast: Diabetes, around 416,000 deaths recorded each year, Pierre Dimba calls for a synergy of actions to reduce the impact of the disease on populations

On the occasion of World Day of Diabetes (JMD), celebrated on November 14, 2024 at the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) of Abidjan-Adjamé, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Pierre Dimbalaunched a call for a pooling of efforts by all stakeholders to reduce the impact of this disease in Côte d’Ivoire. This year’s theme, ” Diabetes and well-being”, was at the heart of the discussions, with interventions highlighting the scale of this disease on a global and national scale.

Dr Catch BernardInspector General of Health, recalled the alarming figures from the World Health Organization (OMS), according to which diabetes causes 4 million deaths each year and affects 537 million people worldwide. In Côte d’Ivoire, diabetes represents a major public health problem, with an estimated prevalence of 6.2% among adults aged 20 to 79, according to the 2017 PREVADIA survey.

Minister Dimba welcomed the progress made in the management of diabetes in the country, highlighting the medical advances, awareness campaigns and prevention policies that have contributed to improving the life expectancy of diabetic patients and reduce disease-related complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney and eye problems.

However, he also stressed that despite these advances, challenges remain. Diabetes remains a heavy burden for the Ivorian health system, both in terms of prevalence and costs. He insisted on the importance of prevention, recommending a balanced diet, regular physical activity and early detection to limit the spread of the disease and its complications.

“On this awareness day, it is essential to place the well-being of people living with diabetes at the heart of the care provided to them. As Minister in charge of health, I am committed to continuing efforts to improve the management of diabetes, through effective public health policies and by facilitating access to care for all,” assured the Minister Pierre Demba.

The minister concluded by calling for collective and coordinated action by all stakeholders in the health system to build a healthier and more inclusive future for all.

The Professor Williams YabroDirector ofINSPalso took stock of the diabetes awareness campaign, indicating that the institute receives several thousand diabetic patients every day. He said nearly 1 in 22 adults in Ivory Coast have diabetes, a disease that causes around 416,000 deaths each year in the country.

Wassimagnon