Africa’s diabetes cases may surge to 54 million, WHO warns

The World Health Organisation Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso
Moeti stated on Thursday that the number of people living with diabetes in the African region is projected to rise to 54 million by 2045, marking the highest predicted increase globally if urgent action is not taken.

Moeti shared this in her message commemorating the 2024 World Diabetes Day, themed “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps.”

Diabetes is a chronic, lifelong condition that results in uncontrolled blood sugar levels, either because the body cannot produce insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it does produce.

Moeti noted that the rising prevalence of diabetes in Africa is driven by factors such as urbanisation, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical activity.

“In the WHO African Region alone, over 24 million adults currently live with diabetes, half of whom remain undiagnosed. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications including heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and eye disease, which can cause blindness.

“Without urgent intervention, it is predicted that the number of people living with diabetes in the African region will rise to 54 million by 2045, the highest projected increase globally. This poses a significant dual health and economic burden, with individuals facing catastrophic costs to manage their condition.

“Adding to the challenge, Africa has the world’s lowest investment rate in diabetes care, with just one per cent of the region’s health budget allocated to it. Health systems are traditionally structured to address acute, infectious diseases, with insufficient focus on chronic conditions like diabetes,” she explained.

She emphasised that managing diabetes requires consistent efforts to balance physical activity, a healthy diet, and mental well-being. The WHO in the African region is committed to holistic solutions, including access to proper nutrition, essential medicines, and mental health support.
She stressed the importance of addressing risk factors such as obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity, alongside community engagement to provide support systems and reduce stigma.

“In a significant step at the Seventy-fourth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa this August, African Member States endorsed the WHO’s Framework for Implementing the Global Diabetes Compact in Africa. Focusing on the integration of diabetes care into broader health systems with a multi-sectoral approach, it offers a roadmap for countries to enhance diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and care, particularly at the primary healthcare level.

“On World Diabetes Day, I urge individuals, communities, governments, health workers, policymakers, and civil society organisations to unite and act now. Individuals should prioritise a healthy lifestyle, and those living with diabetes should have regular check-ups.

“Communities can contribute by fostering supportive environments that encourage healthy living, reduce stigma, and provide access to affordable diabetes care and education. We also pledge our support to governments in implementing policies that expand access to essential medicines, strengthen primary healthcare systems, and prioritise diabetes prevention and care,” she stated.

Moeti concluded by emphasising that improving diabetes management in Africa requires addressing key issues, including myths and misconceptions about diabetes, fragile primary healthcare systems, and the lack of sufficient capacity and training among healthcare workers