Amina Hassan Wali, Chief Medical Director and consultant ophthalmologist at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, has urged Nigerians to prioritise preventive healthcare and regular screening as diabetes continues to pose a major global health threat, affecting an estimated 583 million people worldwide as of 2024.
Wali gave the advice on Monday during a briefing with journalists after a public lecture themed “Diabetes and Its Well-being” held to mark the 2025 World Diabetes Day.
She noted that the annual observance, recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is aimed at increasing public awareness about diabetes and its complications, including impaired vision. She said the Eye Centre remains committed to reducing avoidable blindness through quality, comprehensive and affordable eye care services, research, training, and policy advocacy.
Activities marking the day began with a health walk from the Bantaka Junction to the centre’s football field, followed by a friendly football match between staff of the National Eye Centre and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Eye Centre’s team won 1–0 against the EFCC team.
Also speaking at the event, Fatima Bello, a consultant ophthalmologist at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, noted that Africa accounts for 25 million diabetes cases, with Nigeria recording about 3.8 million cases.
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She warned that diabetes increasingly affects younger people, many of whom are unaware of their condition, and urged Nigerians to undergo regular medical checks.
Highlighting the centre’s recent initiatives, Abdulraham Shehu, head of the National Health Care Centre unit, said a medical outreach was conducted at the EFCC headquarters, where more than 120 people received screening and counselling.
Shehu added that the centre has established an autocrime metabolic unit to help patients manage blood sugar levels, alongside ongoing eye-cleaning and public sensitisation activities.
