The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about the rising prevalence of diabetes cases in Africa, even as it called for urgent action to combat this “silent killer.”
The Global Health Organisation, which noted that over 24 million adults in Africa are currently living with diabetes, with half of them unaware of their condition, also projected that the continent risks experiencing a surge of 54 Million cases of diabetes by 2024.
In Nigeria, The Daily Crucible reports that there has been an increase in the prevalence of diabetes in the country with all regions being affected, according to research findings.
The South – South geopolitical zone is reputed to have the highest prevalence while urban dwelling, physical inactivity, advanced age, and unhealthy diet have also been identified as important risk factors for occurrence of the condition among Nigerians and requiring national diabetes care and prevention urgent policy to stem the tide
In Africa, the growth, according to reports is the highest projected increase worldwide, with WHO attributing the cause to multiple factors such as poor diet, rapid urbanisation and sedentary lifestyles.
WHO stated that Africa specifically has the lowest rate of investment in diabetes care worldwide, with just 1% of the region’s health expenditure allocated to addressing the chronic non-communicable disease.
If unchecked, the disease could bring devastating health and economic impacts to the region, straining health systems and resulting in catastrophic out-of-pocket costs for individuals.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, who disclosed this in a statement to mark this year’s World Diabetes Day theme ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,’ noted that African health systems traditionally focused on combating infectious diseases thereby ill-equipped to manage the complexities of chronic conditions like diabetes.
According to her, diabetes requires continuous care, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
Moeti emphasized the urgent need for health system reforms by African governments and global development partners to address the growing diabetes burden in Africa with a push for innovative, community-based solutions.
She stated that, in August 2024, the WHO Regional Committee for Africa endorsed the Framework for the Implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact (GDC) to support this objective.
The framework provides a roadmap for African nations to enhance diabetes care and prevention within their primary health care systems, aiming to strengthen early diagnosis, increase access to essential medications, and prioritize community outreach, she said.
She also stressed the need for a holistic response, involving individuals, communities, and governments alike.
Moeti said: “On World Diabetes Day today, I urge individuals, communities, governments, health workers, policymakers, and civil society organizations to join hands and act now.
“For individuals, prioritize healthy lifestyle, and if you’re already living with diabetes, have regular medical check-ups.
“Communities can play their role by creating supportive environments that promote healthy living, reduce stigma, and provide access to affordable diabetes care and education.
“For governments, we commit our full support to your efforts to implement policies that enhance access to essential medicines, strengthen primary health care systems, and foreground investment in diabetes prevention and care.
“Strengthening diabetes control in the African region demands that we address key gaps, including myths and misconceptions about diabetes, fragile primary health care systems, and insufficient capacity and training of health care workers.
“Together, let us all commit to breaking down the barriers and addressing the gaps, by raising awareness, spreading knowledge, and creating lasting change for everyone in Africa affected by diabetes.
