World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over the escalating diabetes crisis in Africa, urging governments to take immediate and sustained measures to protect millions of lives at risk.
In a message marking the 2025 World Diabetes Day, themed “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, highlighted the growing public health burden of the disease across the continent.
Janabi warned that Africa was witnessing an unprecedented rise in diabetes cases, fuelled by unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, rising obesity, and limited access to quality healthcare in many countries.
> “The magnitude and speed of this trend demand urgent, coordinated, and sustained government action,” he said, noting that diabetes is spreading faster in Africa than in any other region of the world.
According to WHO data, more than 24 million adults aged 20–79 currently live with diabetes in Africa — a figure projected to soar to 60 million by 2050 if preventive action is not taken.
Janabi lamented that nearly half of all cases remain undiagnosed, leaving millions vulnerable to severe complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, nerve damage, and blindness — all of which could be prevented through early detection and proper care.
> “Diabetes damages the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves, profoundly affecting individuals, families, and entire communities,” Janabi stressed.
He called for the strengthening of health systems across Africa to ensure resilient, well-funded, and patient-centred care, covering prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and lifelong management.
> “Health systems must be resilient, adequately resourced, and well-organised to provide continuous care from prevention to effective treatment,” he added.
Janabi explained that the 2025 World Diabetes Day theme underscores the need for customised strategies that address challenges faced by individuals at every stage of life — from childhood through adulthood to old age.
The regional director noted that African member states had adopted a framework for implementing the Global Diabetes Compact, reaffirming their commitment to equitable and comprehensive healthcare for all citizens.
He commended Ghana and Uganda for integrating diabetes and cardiovascular services into their primary healthcare systems, supported by WHO’s technical and operational programmes.
Janabi also highlighted the ongoing rollout of WHO’s PEN and PEN-Plus initiatives, designed to improve access to affordable and quality care for chronic diseases at community and district levels.
> “Sustained financing, reliable medical supply chains, and strong data systems are critical to maintaining momentum and ensuring equitable access to diabetes care for all communities,” he noted.
He further emphasized that early detection, healthy living, and proper management could prevent or delay the onset of diabetes, helping millions live longer, healthier, and more productive lives.
> “Our goal is to empower people with diabetes to live well at every stage of life through continuous education, treatment, and community support,” Janabi said.
The WHO official urged African governments to prioritize diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) within their national health and development plans, increase funding, and strengthen governance systems for disease prevention and management.
He also called for strong policy measures to promote healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and a reduction in the consumption of ultra-processed and high-sugar foods.
> “African nations must reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that every person living with diabetes enjoys a healthy, dignified, and fulfilling life at every age,” Janabi concluded.
(NAN)
