Tajikistan currently has nearly 65,000 people suffering from diabetes, with around 800 deaths attributed to the disease in 2023 alone.  Experts note that the number of diabetes-related deaths has risen following the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Sohibnazar Zoirov, a representative of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision Service, the increase in diabetes cases is linked to the stress people experienced during the pandemic.

“When a person experiences stress and fear, their blood thickens, which can lead to diabetes.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, people were particularly prone to anxiety, contributing to the rise in diabetes cases,” he explained.

Data from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population (MoHSPP) show that in 2023, 7,680 new cases of diabetes were registered, compared to nearly 8,000 new cases reported in 2021, during the pandemic.

The Service also reported that alongside diabetes, there was a rise in thyroid-related diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly goiter.

“During the pandemic, thyroid disorders increased due to hormonal imbalances that affect the gland’s function.  These cases were frequently registered during the pandemic,” said Amriddin Abdurahmonov, another employee of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision Service.

Additionally, the number of cardiovascular diseases and pneumonia cases reportedly also surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A significant rise in diabetes cases was first observed in 2015, when about 10,000 people were diagnosed with the condition.  Zoirov suggested that this could be linked to improved reporting and increased awareness among the population that year.  He also speculated that financial difficulties and poor nutrition may have contributed to the rise in diabetes cases.

It is worth noting that the government previously adopted a National Program for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Diabetes in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2012-2017.

Meanwhile, in a statement delivered at an expanded government meeting, President Emomali Rahmon on January 25 this year acknowledged that the number of diabetes patients continues to rise, with 10,674 new cases registered in 2023.  This marks a 65% increase compared to 2022, with 6,950 more cases.

The president instructed Health Minister Jamoliddin Abdullozoda and Deputy Prime Minister Matlubakhon Sattoriyon to allocate funds to fully provide insulin for diabetes patients and promote healthy lifestyles to prevent the disease.