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Insulin too costly in some areas
Canadian Medical Association Journal 1997; 156; 12
Seventy-five years after the discovery of insulin the drug remains unavailable or unaffordable in many parts of the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported as it marked the drug's anniversary in November. About 120 million people have diabetes today, but WHO predicts an aging world population, unhealthy diets, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle will drive the number of diabetic patients to 250 million by 2025.
WHO considers insulin an essential drug but says its cost varies widely. The lowest mean cost of a vial of insulin is in the Middle East (US$2.70) and Southeast Asia (US$2.80); South and Central America are in the middle range ($12.20) and in some parts of Africa a single vial can cost $22, the equivalent of a month's salary.
| CMAJ January 1, 1997 (vol 156, no 1) |