2025-11-20T15:43:10+00:00
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Shafaq News
Iraq marked World Diabetes Day amid growing concern over the
rapid rise of the disease, as updated national and global estimates highlighted
the mounting pressure on the country’s already strained healthcare system.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, over the
past two decades, diabetes cases in Iraq have accelerated sharply. In 2000, the
number of adults aged 20–79 living with the disease stood at 449,900. By 2011,
the figure had reached 1.1 million, increasing to 2.7 million in 2024.
Projections show the number could rise to 5.9 million by 2050, placing Iraq
among the countries facing the steepest long-term increases in diabetes
prevalence.
Based on the WHO, Iraq also recorded 21,751 diabetes-related
deaths in 2021, with 7.2% occurring among adults younger than 60. Nearly 47.1%
of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed, leaving almost half of patients unaware
of their condition and at heightened risk of developing complications.
This rise mirrors global patterns. A recent study published
in The Lancet estimated that the number of adults with diabetes worldwide could
exceed 1.3 billion by 2050, doubling the 529 million recorded in 2021.
Despite improvements in service delivery, Iraq’s health
system continues to face major challenges in diabetes management and care.
Primary health centers do not provide free glucose-testing strips, forcing many
low-income patients to cover the cost themselves. Multidisciplinary
teams—essential for comprehensive diabetes care—remain limited, meaning most
patients are treated solely by primary-care physicians without access to
nutritionists, diabetes educators, or specialized nurses.
In addition, the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test, a
crucial tool for monitoring long-term glucose control, is not consistently
available in primary health centers. Patients are often referred to specialized
facilities, causing delays in both diagnosis and follow-up.
Recurring shortages of essential medicines, especially
insulin, remain one of the most pressing obstacles. These disruptions
frequently push patients toward private pharmacies, increasing out-of-pocket
spending at a time when household incomes are already under strain.
The Ministry of Health has introduced several measures in
response to the rising burden, though most efforts remain centered on
public-awareness campaigns. Clear data on the provision of free medicines,
diagnostic tests, or expanded service coverage is still lacking, raising
questions about the practical impact of these initiatives on patients’ daily
access to care.
In 2023, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expanded
social-protection measures by including children with diabetes under the
full-time caregiver salary and the social protection network. He also
instructed the Ministry of Health to widen diagnostic access and ensure the
continuous availability of essential medications.
Endocrinologist Dr. Delshad Chomani described diabetes as a
“complex challenge” requiring broader early-screening initiatives and stronger
long-term monitoring.
International assessments highlight the structural
weaknesses that intensify these pressures. In the 2025 CEOWORLD Healthcare
Index, Iraq ranked 79th globally and 12th among Arab states. While the country
scored reasonably well on medical infrastructure and professional capacity, it
performed significantly lower—52.88 points—on the availability and
affordability of medicines.
“Without stronger procurement systems, broader screening
programs, and more reliable diagnostic services, diabetes will continue to
expand its footprint, deepening long-term pressure on Iraq’s healthcare
system,” Dr. Chomani warned.
Written and edited by Shafaq News staff.
