MHEN calls for stronger action as Malawi marks World Diabetes Day.

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

The Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) has joined the global community in commemorating World Diabetes Day 2025, calling for urgent and coordinated national action to confront the country’s rising diabetes burden.

In a statement released Friday signed by the MHEN Executive Director, George Jones, titled “Promoting Health for All People in Malawi World Diabetes Day”, the organisation highlighted this year’s theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages”, which underscores that the disease affects Malawians from childhood to old age.

“This year’s theme highlights that diabetes affects people at every stage of life,” MHEN noted, adding that the fight requires integrated care, supportive environments and policies that promote health, dignity and self management.

The organisation expressed concern over the sharp rise in diabetes cases in the country.

Jobe said th an estimated 540,000 Malawians aged 20–79 are currently living with diabetes representing 5.7% of the adult population.

He added that this represents a drastic increase from less than 1% in the 1960s.

MHEN warned that a large proportion of affected Malawians remain unaware of their condition.

“Many Malawians remain undiagnosed or untreated, particularly in rural areas where screening tools, drugs and trained personnel are often unavailable,” the statement said.

MHEN called for intensified efforts aligned with the World Health Organization’s Global Diabetes Coverage Targets for 2030, which include ensuring that 80% of people with diabetes are diagnosed and receive proper blood sugar and blood pressure control, and that all people with type 1 diabetes access affordable insulin and glucose monitoring tools.

To achieve this, Jobe urged the government through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Ministry of Finance, and Parliament to take a series of critical steps.

“Expand diabetes screening and diagnosis nationwide, including at community level.

“Guarantee steady availability of insulin, testing supplies and essential medicines across all districts.

“Integrate diabetes care into HIV services, maternal health, and primary health care.

“Scale up public education on healthy diets, physical activity, and early screening. Strengthen data systems to monitor progress and ensure accountability.

” Introduce a health levy on sugary drinks, with proceeds channelled directly to the National Health Fund to support diabetes prevention and treatment programmes,” he said.

MHEN emphasised that access to diabetes care is a matter of dignity and fairness.

“Every Malawian – regardless of age, gender, or location – deserves timely diagnosis, affordable treatment, and dignified care,” said Jobe.

He added that addressing diabetes across all life stages is essential to achieving Universal Health Coverage and building “a healthier, more productive Malawi.”

The statement was endorsed by MHEN’s Board, including Ladder for Rural Development Organization, Kasalika Community Development, Action Aid Malawi, CISE Malawi, Christian Youth Association of Malawi (CYAMA), and Journalist Association Against AIDS.