The Malawi Government and key stakeholders have been asked to increase investment in diabetes research as pursuit for better treatment and cure depends on ongoing studies.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Alliance Malawi chairperson Maud Mwakasungula said in an interview that given more funding, they have the potential to discover innovative treatments and improve on the existing ones.
She made the call as her organisation joined other groups worldwide in raising awareness about diabetes.
“Supporting research today will lead to better outcomes and healthier lives for people living with diabetes,” Mwakasungula said.
She also said there was need for the country to strengthen policies that support diabetes prevention and control.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, there were over 486 000 Malawians living with diabetes in 2021 and the number is projected to rise to almost 700 000 by 2030.
In a separate interview yesterday, Diabetes Association of Malawi president Clement Mandala revealed one out of 10 tested for the disease is diagnosed with diabetes.
“So we are working hard to raise awareness about the disease because many people are dying without knowing they suffer from the condition,” he said.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when a person’s body fails to produce or use insulin appropriately, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
