Cape Town — International group, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) expressed concern over the shortage of insulin pens in South Africa, which would drastically affect those living with diabetes.
In an MSF statement, it confirmed that the National Department of Health (NDoH) submitted a formal tender for insulin pens after former supplier,Danish pharmaceutical supplier, Novo Nordisk, failed to meet the demand for pens.
Novo Nordisk has been the primary supplier of human insulin pens in previous tenders to the NDoH and has supplied over 14 million human insulin pens to South Africa over the last three years.
MSF Southern Africa revealed that transitioning people to vials and syringes to deliver insulin will present major consequences for many people living with diabetes, and Novo Nordisk were called on to acknowledge their responsibility and take action to ensure a continuous supply of insulin pens to South Africa.
In a major blow to people with diabetes, the NDoH recently issued a statement predicting stock-outs of human insulin pen devices.
Around 4.2 million South Africans are living with #diabetes, and the implications of such a shortage are concerning.
🧵Here’s why: pic.twitter.com/pP8tYwzP3l
— Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa (@MSF_southafrica) May 16, 2024
“We are astonished by the thoughtless irresponsibility of insulin manufacturers who didn’t consider warning the South African government in advance about their decision to no longer sell insulin pens in South Africa,” Camren McAravey, Country Operational Representative for MSF in South Africa.
Novo Nordisk recently signed an agreement with Aspen in South Africa to manufacture insulin for the entire continent, but only to produce human insulin in a vial, which is also needed. However, it does not meet the procurement needs of the NDoH, and millions of South Africans are already using pen devices today.
Managing diabetes is already very demanding. People with diabetes who require insulin must calculate their food intake, check their sugar levels and predict how these will interact with the amount of insulin they administer, sometimes multiple times daily. The dosing mechanism on insulin pens provides a more straightforward way of measuring the correct dose, making it easier to inject outside the home. Many report less discomfort when using pen needles.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@MSF_southafrica
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
