The Cross River State Government has announced plans to mainstream diabetes prevention and management in its 2026 fiscal year, as part of efforts to curb the growing prevalence of the disease across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interaction with journalists in his office in Calabar, where he expressed concern over the rising number of diabetes cases in the state.
According to him, the government is adopting a deliberate, structured, and multi-sectoral approach to combat the disease through the proposed 2026 State Budget, which will include improved funding for diabetes care and other neglected tropical diseases, community lifestyle advocacy, early diagnosis and treatment support, empowerment of support groups, strategic partnerships, and expanded health insurance coverage.
“We have captured deliberate efforts in the 2026 State Budget to comprehensively address diabetes through a mainstreaming programme,” Dr. Ayuk said. “This will involve improved public appropriation for diabetes, community advocacy on lifestyle changes, support for early diagnosis and treatment, partnership building, and improved targeted health insurance coverage.”
The Health Commissioner, who spoke in commemoration of World Health Week, described diabetes as one of the most common yet preventable lifestyle-related diseases affecting residents of the state. He urged citizens to adopt healthier habits to prevent the condition and mitigate its impact.
“Diabetes is very common among us, and even though its fatality rate is high, it is largely a lifestyle disease,” he said. “We must re-emphasize the importance of healthy living; eating nutritious foods instead of processed ones, reducing sugar intake to less than 30–35% of daily consumption, exercising regularly, and ensuring adequate rest.”
Dr. Ayuk stressed that both prevention and management of diabetes depend largely on lifestyle discipline. He advised those already living with the condition to seek early diagnosis and treatment while maintaining strict dietary and exercise routines.
“Early diagnosis can prevent complications. Once you begin to notice sudden weight gain or weight loss, or persistent fatigue, see a doctor. These are early symptoms of diabetes,” he advised.
He further assured residents that the state government was taking proactive steps to make diabetes care more affordable and accessible.
“The government is providing budgetary support to help subsidize diabetes drugs and supplies. In addition, the state’s health insurance scheme is being expanded to target people in the informal sector, especially those already diagnosed,” Dr. Ayuk explained.
He also revealed plans to renovate more health facilities across the state and strengthen monitoring systems to ensure accountability among partners involved in diabetes control and management.
Dr. Ayuk emphasized that Governor Bassey Otu’s administration remains sensitive to public health concerns and is committed to making quality healthcare accessible to all Cross Riverians.
“We want to use this opportunity to assure our people that the government is fully committed to addressing diabetes through practical interventions. The upcoming budget reflects that commitment,” he concluded.
Kingsley Agim
