Danish pharmaceutical Novo Nordisk introduces Ozempic, Wegovy drugs in Kenya

Novo Nordisk hosted a scientific launch event in Nairobi on Saturday, where it highlighted that the introduction of Ozempic and Wegovy in Kenya will be supported by healthcare provider training on eligibility assessment, responsible prescribing standards, and structured patient support programs.

The roll-out comes as healthcare experts urge a comprehensive approach to address the country's rising cardio-metabolic health burden.

Speaking at the launch, consultant physician and endocrinologist Dr. Roseline Ngugi highlighted the urgent need for heightened awareness, early screening, and timely intervention.

"Africa alone has seen a rise in the prevalence of diabetes of over 142 per cent in the last ten years," Dr. Ngugi noted, emphasizing that a significant portion of the Kenyan population lives with undiagnosed diabetes.

Addressing the systemic perception of weight management, Dr. Ngugi stressed that obesity should not be viewed merely through lifestyle choices.

"Obesity is not a lifestyle disease. It is a metabolic condition closely causing cardio-metabolic diseases," she explained. She further noted that the condition is increasingly affecting multiple demographic groups, including children.

Addressing previous barriers to treatment, Dr. Ngugi expressed optimism regarding market pricing structures.

"One of the problems we had is accessibility. However, I am excited to announce that the price they are offering is affordable," Dr. Ngugi stated.

Malika De Maillard, Head of Novo Nordisk Business Area Africa, led the scientific discussion surrounding the underlying mechanisms of the therapies and the evolving treatment landscape for non-communicable diseases.

Pointing to extensive global clinical experience, De Maillard underscored the urgency of addressing chronic metabolic conditions.

"There is a great medical need for diabetic patients," De Maillard noted, reinforcing the necessity for ongoing innovation and cross-sector collaboration to treat complex, interconnected conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.

At the event, Danish Ambassador to Kenya, Stephan Schønemann, emphasized the potential of international partnerships to expand access to care and enhance health system capacities.

"We are giving people with diabetes a better option," Ambassador Schønemann said, reflecting on the shared goals of improving clinical outcomes and bridging global healthcare disparities.

Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide and work by mimicking a natural hormone (GLP-1) that slows digestion, targets the areas of the brain that regulate appetite, and prompts the pancreas to release insulin.

In December 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its first global guidelines conditionally recommending semaglutide for the long-term treatment of obesity, labeling it a biological condition that deserves treatment without stigma.