In an era where health crises dominate headlines, the surging global diabetes crisis demands our immediate attention. As we stand on the brink of a major public health challenge with over 537 million people grappling with diabetes, the International Diabetes Federation predicts a staggering climb to 643 million by 2030. This isn’t just a number; it translates to one life lost every 5 seconds, culminating in an annual death toll of 6.7 million. Thailand, an enchanting land of culture and tradition, is not immune, with an estimated 5.3 million citizens anticipated to be living with diabetes by 2040. Even more alarming is the fact that nearly half of these cases remain in the shadows, undiagnosed and untreated.
Diabetes extends its sinister tentacles beyond personal health, intertwining with other grave conditions like heart and kidney disease. Moreover, it places a formidable financial burden on countries, costing Thailand a whopping 47.596 billion baht annually. In light of such daunting figures, the call for effective, quality healthcare is more urgent than ever. Embarking on this mission is the Affordability Project by Novo Nordisk, which stands as a beacon of hope by advocating for improved healthcare access and raising awareness through innovative public-private partnerships.
At the helm of this transformative initiative, Mr. Enrico Cañal Bruland, Vice President and General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd., underscores the company’s century-spanning dedication to global health improvement. By focusing on diabetes, obesity, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Novo Nordisk strives to reshape healthcare today for a healthier tomorrow through pioneering prevention and treatment approaches.
In Thailand, the Affordability Project is a groundbreaking collaboration with the Department of Medical Services and the Ministry of Public Health. Its aim? To democratize access to high-quality diabetes care. This ambitious three-year initiative, spanning 2022 to 2025, is laser-focused on amplifying diagnostic access and imparting critical diabetes care expertise to healthcare professionals. The goals are straightforward yet profound: optimize diabetes management, minimize complications, and slash healthcare expenditures.
The project’s achievements are impressive thus far. Over 70% of its targets have already been met. Across 21 provinces, spanning 13 health zones, a total of 53,000 individuals have undergone diabetes screening, surpassing the project’s expectations. Additionally, more than 7,000 healthcare professionals and personnel involved in diabetes care have completed intensive training programs held at 2,212 hospitals nationwide. The initiative has also orchestrated practical workshops to enrich the skills of those on the front lines of diabetes management.
A pivotal component of the Affordability Project involves an intensive glucose control program enrolling 7,000 diabetic patients. The initial cohort of 2,500 patients witnessed a remarkable 70% reduction in their HbA1c levels, with 21.5% reaching their personal health targets. Enthused by such promising results, the program is scaling up to embrace an additional 2,500 patients in its second phase, emphasizing the tangible benefits of focused care.
Sustaining the Affordability Project’s success necessitates unwavering cooperation from diverse sectors and continued financial backing. A sophisticated system for data monitoring and evaluation will also be integral. Beyond expanding treatment and screening access, this initiative has potential economic implications, significantly reducing healthcare costs by combating severe complications like kidney disease and cardiovascular issues. Effective blood glucose control not only prevents dire health consequences but also promises substantial long-term savings.
True to its commitment to propelling diabetes care, Novo Nordisk Thailand consistently champions public-private alliances. Come World Diabetes Day 2024, Novo Nordisk, in collaboration with the Diabetes Association of Thailand, the Thai NCD Alliance, and other key organizations, orchestrated the ‘Bangkok Ride and Run 2024: Reimagine Diabetes Wellbeing’ event. Held at the grand Lan Khon Mueng at Bangkok City Hall on November 10, 2024, this vibrant cycling and marathon event was a vivid reminder of the collective effort necessary to tame the diabetes epidemic.
Finally, a company is taking diabetes seriously in Thailand, but will it be enough?
It’s a start, but let’s not ignore the fact that prevention should also be a priority. Education is key.
You’re right. Education on lifestyle changes should be part of this initiative.
It’s all just big pharma trying to make profits. They don’t care about us.
I get your skepticism, but Novo Nordisk has shown commitment with their initiatives. At least they’re doing something!
The collaboration with the government is a step in the right direction. Healthcare should be a universal right, not a privilege!
Universal healthcare sounds nice, but are you ready to pay higher taxes for it?
If it means saving lives, then yes. Healthcare is a basic human right.
Carl, taxes fund so many inefficient things already. Why not redirect them to healthcare?
I’m not convinced that focusing on diabetes is the best use of resources. What about other diseases?
Considering the number of people affected by diabetes, tackling it has a massive impact.
The Affordability Project is great but what about after 2025? It needs to be sustainable long-term.
I had no idea diabetes was such a big issue in Thailand. It’s scary to think how many go undiagnosed.
I know right? Makes you wonder how many are affected worldwide without knowing.
The financial burden on Thailand is significant. Imagine if the same resources were used for economic development instead.
Agreed, but if people aren’t healthy, economic development will suffer anyway.
True, it’s a tricky balance. Investment in health can indeed lead to better economic outcomes.
I work in healthcare, and I can tell you the situation is dire. We absolutely need more projects like this.
Why isn’t there more focus on traditional medicine? Sometimes Western solutions aren’t the best fit.
Exactly! Eastern medicine has been effective for centuries; let’s not ignore our roots.
I hope the training for healthcare workers includes practical applications and not just theory.
The reduction in HbA1c levels is impressive. Shows that focused care really works.
It’s good news for sure, but I wonder about the long-term sustainability of these improvements.
The ‘Ride and Run’ event is a nice gesture, but I doubt it’s going to make a real dent in the problem.
Public-private partnerships can be very powerful. Let’s hope Novo Nordisk keeps up the momentum even after the initial project ends.
Heidi, while hopeful, we can’t rely solely on corporate goodwill. Accountability is key.