Health professionals and senior officials during the launch of Ozempic and Wegovy in Nairobi on Saturday, 12/09/2026. Photo/Newsflash
By Newsflash Writer
Kenya’s growing diabetes and obesity burden is coming under fresh scrutiny following the introduction of Ozempic and Wegovy, two medicines that could offer new treatment options to people battling chronic metabolic conditions.
Novo Nordisk officially introduced Ozempic for the management of type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management among people living with obesity or overweight with associated health conditions during a scientific launch in Nairobi on Saturday, September 12.
The launch brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, experts and other stakeholders to examine the changing nature of diabetes and obesity in Kenya and the wider African region.
But beyond the arrival of the medicines, the discussions exposed a bigger challenge facing the country: how to detect chronic conditions earlier and ensure that people who need treatment can actually access it.
Diabetes burden grows as many remain undiagnosed
Consultant physician and endocrinologist Dr Roseline Ngugi warned that Kenya’s diabetes burden may be considerably greater than official diagnoses indicate because many people are living with the condition without knowing it.
She said diabetes prevalence across Africa has risen sharply over the past decade, placing increasing pressure on already stretched health systems.
“Africa alone has seen a rise in the prevalence of diabetes of over 142 per cent in the last ten years,” Dr Ngugi said.
The endocrinologist stressed the importance of screening and early diagnosis, saying identifying the disease before complications develop could help change the long-term trajectory of diabetes care.
She also challenged the perception that obesity should simply be attributed to lifestyle choices.
Read more: WHO releases first global rules for diabetes in pregnancy
“Obesity is not a lifestyle disease. It is a metabolic condition closely causing cardio-metabolic diseases,” she said.
Obesity is closely associated with conditions such as hypertension and can contribute to a wider range of cardio-metabolic complications.
Dr Ngugi said the problem is also increasingly being observed among children and other population groups, raising concern about the future health burden if prevention and treatment are not strengthened.
She called for a more integrated approach in which diabetes, obesity and other related chronic conditions are addressed together rather than treated as isolated illnesses.
Affordability could determine impact of new medicines
While the introduction of Ozempic and Wegovy expands treatment options, healthcare experts acknowledged that availability alone will not guarantee access.
Affordability has historically been a major barrier to healthcare in Kenya, particularly for patients requiring long-term treatment for chronic conditions.
Dr Ngugi welcomed the reduction in the prices announced alongside the introduction of the medicines, describing affordability as an important step towards improving access.
“One of the problems we had is accessibility. However, I am excited to announce that the price they are offering is affordable,” she said.
She urged the government, health insurers and other stakeholders to consider how greater access to appropriate treatment could help reduce the long-term costs associated with poorly managed diabetes, obesity and their complications.
Read more:The link between diabetes, kidney disease, and high blood pressure
Malika De Maillard, Head of Novo Nordisk Business Area Africa, said the scale of diabetes and obesity across the continent demonstrated the need for continued innovation.
“There is a great medical need for diabetic patients,” she said.
She pointed to the growing recognition of the links between obesity, diabetes and other serious conditions, including cardiovascular and kidney disease.
Great alternatives
Danish Ambassador to Kenya Stephan Schønemann said the introduction of additional treatment options could give people living with diabetes greater choice.
“We are giving people with diabetes a better option,” he said.
He also highlighted opportunities for stronger Kenya-Denmark cooperation in healthcare, innovation and knowledge exchange.
Read more:How Kenya will benefit from the historic Ksh.207B U.S health deal
For Kenya, the launch comes as non-communicable diseases increasingly compete with infectious diseases for attention and resources.
The introduction of Ozempic and Wegovy therefore raises questions that extend beyond the medicines themselves — including insurance coverage, affordability, responsible prescribing, healthcare capacity and equitable access.
As the country confronts a changing disease burden, the ultimate test will be whether medical innovation can translate into early diagnosis, responsible treatment and affordable care for the millions of people at risk of diabetes, obesity and related cardio-metabolic diseases.
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