As the incidence of the disease is increasing, so are the associated cost of managing the disease and other social effects. The total cost (direct care and indirect cost) cost of managing the disease in the UK is about 10% of the total cost of healthcare in the country, amounting to about £23.7 billion. As at 2012, the total cost of managing diagnosed diabetes in the USA was $245 billion. South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Ghana have also been reported as the top five countries in Africa with the highest cost of managing diabetes (IDF, 2009). Mortality arising from the disease is also increasing globally. 

As part of global efforts addressing this problem, BREAC is collaborating with government institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to promote the awareness of diabetes across Africa and the United Kingdom. We are also collecting empirical data on the aetiology and management of the disease in communities across Africa.

The first phase of the campaign exercise was carried out in Ilorin and Eruwa communities in South West Nigeria on the 11th and 25th of July, 2016 respectively. These campaigns were sponsored by an Impact Grant Awarded by University of East London, Stratford, United Kingdom reached over 500,000 residents of Ilorin and Ibarapa districts with basic and essential information on the development, treatment and prevention of diabetes. The success of the initial campaign motivated the University of East London to provide additional funding, via its Community Engagement programme, for campaign targetted at people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups living in London. Camopaign events have been held in Barking, Stratford, Dagenham and Romford area in London. Below are pictures from our various campaign events.