In recent years, the prevalence of diabetes among children in Ghana has become a growing concern, shedding light on the challenges faced by young individuals like Erica, Rechel, and Elizabeth.
This article delves into their experiences, the financial burdens their families endure, and the broader issue of diabetes awareness in the country.
Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the tender age of 8, Erica’s daily routine involves managing her blood sugar levels through insulin injections. The fear and pain associated with these injections illustrate the emotional toll diabetes takes on a young child.
“I am always afraid that it will pain me,” she said.
As a single parent and diabetic herself, Erica’s mother, Janet, highlights the financial strain that comes with managing diabetes. The cost of medications, including insulin, puts immense pressure on families like hers, with Janet revealing expenditures exceeding GHC2000 in a single day.
“The medication is really expensive. As it stands, I have spent more than GHC2000 within a day.”
Rechel and Elizabeth share their experiences dealing with stigma, revealing the societal misconceptions surrounding diabetes. From being accused of drug use to facing discrimination at school, these stories underscore the urgent need to break down the barriers associated with this condition.
“I was once taking my insulin shot, and a guy saw me and he spread the information that I was doing drugs. The stigma is still persistent.” Rechel says.
“After a report was sent to my school that I have diabetes, they said they cannot cook for me unless my parents pay for it, which was not supposed to be so,” Elizabeth said.
As of 2022, Statista reports that over 1.1 million Ghanaians aged 17 and younger are living with type 2 diabetes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the overall diabetes prevalence in Ghana stands at approximately 2.4 million people. Experts attribute this rise to factors such as poor awareness rates, lifestyle changes, consumption of chemically infected foods, and a lack of breastfeeding.
Dr. Betty Bankah, a family physician and advocate for children living with diabetes, emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinctions between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Her insights shed light on the complex nature of the disease and the necessity for tailored interventions.
”We have type 1 diabetes, where the body doesn’t produce insulin, and then there’s type 2 diabetes, where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in tailoring the right approach for each individual.”
Experts identify poor awareness rates, lifestyle changes, consumption of chemically infected foods, and insufficient breastfeeding as key contributors to the escalating diabetes rates among Ghanaian children. Addressing these factors is crucial to curbing the rise in childhood diabetes cases.
With an alarming increase in the number of children grappling with diabetes, there is an urgent need for a collective effort to raise awareness, eliminate stigma, and support those affected. By fostering a better understanding of the disease and promoting a healthier lifestyle, Ghana can strive towards a future where every child has the opportunity to live a life unhindered by the burdens of diabetes.
By Deborah Abba Mensah