The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a stark warning that Africa is facing a rapid rise in diabetes cases, with projections indicating that the number of individuals living with the condition could reach 54 million by 2045. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, shared these alarming statistics in her message marking the 2024 World Diabetes Day. This would represent the highest global increase if immediate measures are not implemented.

Diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by uncontrolled blood sugar levels, either due to insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to use it effectively, is becoming an increasingly pressing health issue in Africa. Dr. Moeti highlighted the main drivers of this trend: urbanisation, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles.

In the WHO African Region alone, more than 24 million adults currently live with diabetes, with an alarming half of them unaware of their condition. Untreated diabetes can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure, amputations, and even blindness.

Moeti pointed out that Africa is facing the highest predicted increase globally in diabetes cases, which would add a significant health and economic burden on the continent. The economic strain would be felt particularly in terms of the costly long-term management of the disease.

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“Adding to the challenge, Africa has the world’s lowest investment rate in diabetes care,” Moeti explained. “Just 1% of the region’s health budget is dedicated to diabetes management, with health systems traditionally focused on infectious diseases rather than chronic conditions.”

She stressed that managing diabetes effectively requires a holistic approach, balancing physical activity, a healthy diet, and mental health support. WHO’s commitment to improving diabetes care in Africa includes addressing factors like poor diet, obesity, and physical inactivity, as well as promoting community-based support to reduce stigma.

A key development in the fight against diabetes came in August, when African Member States endorsed the WHO’s Framework for Implementing the Global Diabetes Compact. This framework focuses on integrating diabetes care into broader health systems and ensuring primary healthcare systems are equipped to handle the rising demand for services.

In her message for World Diabetes Day, Dr. Moeti urged all sectors to take action. She called on individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, and for governments and policymakers to expand access to essential medicines and strengthen primary healthcare services. She also emphasized the importance of addressing myths and misconceptions about diabetes and improving healthcare workers’ training to manage the condition effectively.