President for the association, Clement Mandala argues that the coming of diseases like Cholera, COVID-19 and Polio has overshadowed the fight against the disease amid shortage of essential drugs in hospitals, hence continued preventable deaths.

Mandala has also bemoaned shortage of funding at their organization which is affecting efforts to reach out to their members in hard to reach areas of the country.

"People do not know how this diabetes disease is spreading fast, that's why they are keeping silent. There is a need to take this very seriously as people are dying in silent without knowing what has killed them," noted Mandala.

Malawi Non-communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance member, Henry Ndhlovu says they are planning to engage parliamentarians through the parliamentary committee on health to take a leading role in raising awareness and push for a policy review on guiding laws on non-communicable diseases.

Ndhlovu, however, commended government for efforts it has put in place to combat several diseases in the country.

Minister of health, Khumbize Kandondo Chiponda says her ministry is committed to address all health issues, as they have integrated all services at primary health care level which is offered in all areas.

"Diabetes as any disease is our priority to make sure that our people get essential care in their communities through the enhanced primary health care services. Yes, now we are focused on Cholera as it is a crisis but we are monitoring all the health issues as well," said Chiponda.

Statistics show that prevalence rate of diabetes in the country is at 5.6 percent.