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14 November 2024                                                                                                                                                                                  Aspen One

Aspen and SEMDSA highlight the alarming rise of non-communicable diseases on World Diabetes Day

Johannesburg – JSE-listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (“Aspen”), a global multinational specialty pharmaceutical company, earlier today launched an awareness campaign around the alarming rise and associated risks of non-communicable diseases (“NCDs”) at a joint media briefing with the Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa (“SEMDSA”).

There has been a notable global increase in NCDs, which are collectively responsible for 74% of deaths worldwide and include cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory disease, cancer and diabetes. This trend is being mirrored in South Africa where major NCDs have increased 58,7% over the past 201 years and it is set to continue along this trajectory. Some 71% of global deaths (41 million) are attributed to NCDs with 1.5 million being for diabetes2, and with 80% of NCDs being classified as premature.

Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Group Senior Executive Strategic Trade said, “There is a strong link between obesity, diabetes, and cancer, with the former triggering what has become known as the metabolic-cardio-renal complex of diseases. If left unarrested, the economic impact of NCDs will significantly over-burden an already highly stretched healthcare system and impact lives and livelihoods. On World Diabetes Day, we strongly encourage people to learn about the risks of diabetes and assess their own risk, to understand the differences between Type 1 and Type II diabetes, and to seek appropriate support from their healthcare professional if they are concerned about their health.”

“Aspen remains committed to contributing towards the management of NCDs, as has been demonstrated by the Group’s investment of more than R10 billion in sterile manufacturing capacity. This capability has positioned Aspen as an emerging contributor in rapidly expanding the production of treatment options for diabetes.”

“Aligned to this commitment we have also noted, with concern, the increasing lack of suitably qualified medical professionals to treat NCDs, and we are pleased to announce a Fellowship to SEMDSA for medical specialisation in the field of Endocrinology.”

Dr Reyna Daya, SEMDSA President said, “Approximately 50% of South Africans with diabetes remain undiagnosed, and this NCD has reached pandemic proportions. Diabetes treatment requires multiple resources, and we are currently experiencing a shortage of healthcare professionals who can treat diabetes and its complications. Our country also needs to increase awareness and heighten discussions around this disease. These patients are at risk of developing both significant and severe cardiac and renal complications, both of which require access to special care units, which are sadly lacking across our provinces. There is already a significant economic impact to productivity with patients who are presenting diabetes and its complications. Irrespective of a patient’s position on the social ladder, once diagnosed, there is hope with treatment options, albeit that they remain costly and inaccessible to many.”

Aspen’s investment in world class pharmaceutical manufacturing in South Africa has improved supply security and infectious disease prevention in Africa, thereby assisting with the African Union’s overall objective of solving regional health issues through local capabilities. Additional investment has also targeted skills development, talent retention, and new technology, which has positioned Aspen to respond swiftly to breakout pandemics and has become a significant differentiator for the Group.

 

For Editors:

Click here to download Aspen’s World Diabetes Day press pack

1 Statistics SA, Report 03-08-01: Non communicable diseases: Findings from death notifications (2008-2018), published 17 October 2023.

2 World Health Organisation, Noncommunicable Diseases, Key Facts

 

Issued by: Shauneen Beukes, Aspen Group Communications Consultant

Mobile: +27 82 389 8900 | sbeukes@aspenpharma.com

On behalf of: Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Group Senior Executive Strategic Trade

Direct: +27 11 239 6798 | Mobile: +27 82 458 3135

snicolaou@aspenpharma.com

About Aspen

Headquartered in Durban, South Africa, Aspen is a leading global specialty and branded multinational pharmaceutical company with a presence in both emerging and developed markets.

Aspen improves the health of patients in more than 115 countries and territories through its high quality, affordable medicines. The Group’s key business segments are Manufacturing and Commercial Pharmaceuticals comprising Injectable products, Prescription and OTC medicines.

Aspen employs more than 9 300 people and has 63 established business operations in some 46 countries. The Group operates 24 manufacturing facilities across 15 sites and holds international manufacturing approvals from some of the most stringent global regulatory agencies. Its manufacturing capabilities are scalable to demand and cover a wide variety of product-types including steriles, oral solid dose, liquids, semi-solids, biologicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. For more information visit www.aspenpharma.com

About SEMDSA

Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa (“SEMDSA”) is a scientific society open to all persons interested in endocrinology, metabolism and diabetes. SEMDSA aims to further the clinical practice; to promote both clinical and scientific research as well as publication into all branches of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes.

We provide support to those who are training in the field and promote, maintain and protect the honour and interest of the discipline of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism as a medical sub specialty for the benefit of all.