Kenya, World Diabetes Foundation collaborate to improve patient care

WHO data shows that the number of people living with diabetes globally rose from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022.

by JOY IRUNGU

News23 October 2025 - 13:18

In Summary

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose.

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*Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga during a meeting with officials from the World Diabetes Foundation on October 23, 2025/HANDOUT*

Kenyans living with diabetes will soon be able to get better access to quality healthcare as the Ministry of Health intensifies efforts to improve the prevention and management of the disease across the country.

This is after the ministry and the World Diabetes Foundation renewed their partnership to strengthen diabetes care in the country.

This renewed commitment was emphasised during a consultative meeting between the Medical Services PS Ouma Oluga and representatives from the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF).

The forum brought together key stakeholders to review progress, exchange ideas, and discuss strategies for enhancing diabetes care at the community level.

Oluga acknowledged the long-standing partnership between the Ministry and the Foundation in addressing diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Kenya.

He highlighted the government's focus on integrating diabetes services, including prevention, early detection, and treatment, into the primary healthcare system

This approach, he said, ensures that Kenyans can access necessary care closer to home, rather than depending solely on higher-level referral facilities.

He urged development partners to design sustainable interventions and mobilise the necessary resources to ensure long-lasting impact.

“Strengthened partnerships and coordinated efforts are critical in addressing the growth burden of chronic diseases,” Oluga said.

He also extended appreciation to the Foundation and other partners for their ongoing support and reiterated the government's commitment to building a robust health system that supports preventive care and shields families from the effects of NCDs.

The meeting was also attended by Gladwell Gathecha from the Ministry’s Division of Cancer and Non-Communicable Diseases (DCNCD) and Nancy Ngugi from the Diabetes Management and Information Centre.

The World Diabetes Foundation was founded in 2002 as an independent foundation by Novo Nordisk, today being the leading global funder of diabetes prevention and care projects in low-and middle-income countries.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose.

Hyperglycaemia, also called raised blood glucose or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

According to the World Health Organisation, the number of people living with diabetes globally rose from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022.

Prevalence has been rising more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.

The WHO said more than half of people living with diabetes did not take medication for their diabetes in 2022. Diabetes treatment coverage was lowest in low- and middle-income countries.