By  Sola Ogundipe

TWELVE new dedicated diabetes and hypertension clinics are in the pipeline for 2015, in selected states of the Federation as part of efforts to support patients with the disorders to enable them better manage and control the burden of the two ailments.

The first of such clinics which are being set up by the health authorities in collaboration with Sanofi Nigeria, was recently inaugurated, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH.

Speaking in Lagos during the introduction of its brand of human insulin “Insuman”, General Manager, Sanofi Nigeria-Ghana, Abderrahmane Chakibi, noted that the company was reinforcing its commitment to diabetes through new treatment.

“In 2015, across Nigeria, we will support the creation of 12 clinics for diabetes and hypertension in partnership with health authorities. These clinics will be established in dedicated healthcare centers to increase screening, disease awareness and patient education. They will also provide better management and monitoring of people with diabetes though dedicated nursing and physician support,” Chakbi stated.

With the introduction of the new insulin product from its range of diabetes treatments, Sanofi is now the only company to provide a full range of both oral and injectable treatments for patients with diabetes in Nigeria.

Chakbi said the 12 new clinics would deliver innovative treatments and a full portfolio adapted to the needs of patients locally.

“In 2016, we aim to deploy 24 more clinics. The availability of the new range of human insulin, the injection pen and the support of clinics for the better management of the disease is in direct response to the healthcare needs of patients with diabetes in Nigeria.”

In Nigeria, around five million people are afflicted with diabetes and the figure is expected to double within the next 20 years, with 63 percent undiagnosed and many that are diagnosed, not correctly controlled. Worse still, 76 percent of deaths due to diabetes are in people under the age of 60 on the African continent.

Patients are exposed to many complications including vascular complications, blindness and limb amputation, which can be prevented by treatment with Insulin and effective, close management of patients. The diabetic product range allows for individualised treatment (basal, rapid and premix) available in both Vials and Cartridges that use a unique innovative technology that ensures a more accurate dosing. I

The insulin brand which has been licensed in 90 countries is manufactured to the highest international standards in Germany, and has accummulated more than five million patient-years.