WHO warns of rising diabetes cases in Africa, calls for urgent action

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over the rapid rise of diabetes across Africa, urging government at all levels, to take swift and sustained action to address the growing health crisis.

In a message marking World Diabetes Day 2025, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, said the continent is witnessing an unprecedented surge in diabetes cases.

Dr. Mohamed Janabi attributed the increase to changing lifestyles, rising rates of overweight and obesity, and limited access to preventive and primary healthcare services.

This year’s theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” highlights that the disease affects people of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults and the elderly, each requiring tailored prevention and treatment strategies.

According to Dr. Janabi, more than 24 million adults in the WHO African Region, aged 20–79 years, are currently living with diabetes. That number is projected to rise to 60 million by 2050. Alarmingly, nearly half of all cases remain undiagnosed, leaving millions vulnerable to severe complications and premature deaths.

“If this trend continues unchecked, it could overwhelm health systems, strain national economies, and reverse decades of development gains across the continent,” Dr. Janabi warned.

To curb the growing epidemic, he emphasized the need for stronger health systems that deliver continuous care — from prevention and early diagnosis to lifelong treatment and support.

Dr. Janabi noted that in 2024, African Member States endorsed the Framework for the Implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact in Africa, reaffirming their commitment to equitable and comprehensive diabetes care. Under this framework, countries like Ghana and Uganda have already begun integrating diabetes and cardiovascular care into primary health services.

The WHO Regional Director also highlighted ongoing initiatives to include the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (WHO PEN) which is operational in 31 countries and PEN-Plus, now active in 20 countries, to expand access to affordable, quality diabetes care.

He stressed that early detection and lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity, healthy diets, and proper medication, could delay diabetes progression for up to 15 years.

The 2025 campaign focuses on empowering people living with diabetes to manage the condition effectively at every life stage, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood and old age.

Dr. Janabi advised African governments to increase funding for noncommunicable diseases, strengthen governance, and integrate diabetes care into national health systems.

He also called for policies promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and access to affordable insulin and diagnostic tools.

“Governments, health workers, civil society, and communities must unite to reverse the diabetes trend and promote environments that support healthy living,” he said.

Marking World Diabetes Day, Dr. Janabi called for renewed commitment to deliver effective care and lasting support to enable every person living with diabetes to live a healthy, dignified, and fulfilling life.