WHO estimates that 54 million Africans may have diabetes by 2045.

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the regional director for Africa for the World Health Organisation, stated Thursday that if immediate action is not taken, the number of diabetics in the African Region is expected to soar to 54 million by 2045, the greatest increase ever predicted worldwide.

In honour of the 2024 World Diabetes Day theme, "Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps," Moeti made this statement.

Because the body can no longer effectively make or use the insulin it does produce, diabetes is a chronic, lifelong condition that results in uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

According to Moeti, a number of factors, such as urbanisation, poor diet, and a lack of physical activity, contribute to the increased prevalence of diabetes in Africa.

"Currently, about 24 million adults in the WHO African Region alone are living with diabetes, half of whom remain undiagnosed. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure, lower-limb amputation, and eye disease that can result in blindness.

“Without urgent interventions, predictions are 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, including catastrophic spending by individuals to control their disease.

“Compounding the challenge is that Africa has the lowest investment rate in diabetes care worldwide, at only one per cent of the region’s health expenditure. Health systems are also traditionally designed to deal with acute, infectious diseases, without sufficient attention paid to chronic diseases like diabetes,” she stated.

She emphasised that managing diabetes requires a sustained effort to balance physical health activity, healthy diet, mental well-being, and WHO in the African Region is committed to holistic solutions, including proper nutrition, access to the requisite essential medicines, and mental health support.

Sh said it is important to address risk factors including obesity, poor diet and physical activity, combined with community engagement to ensure good support systems and reduced stigma.
African Member States approved WHO's Framework for the Implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact in Africa during the Seventy-fourth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in August of this year, marking a significant advancement. It offers a road map for nations to improve diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and care, particularly at the primary health care level. It focusses particularly on the difficulty of integrating diabetes care into larger health systems in a multi-sectoral approach.

Today is World Diabetes Day, and I implore people, communities, governments, medical professionals, legislators, and civil society groups to work together and take immediate action. Prioritise leading a healthy lifestyle, and if you already have diabetes, have regular checkups with your doctor.

"Communities can fulfil their responsibility by establishing nurturing surroundings that encourage 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,” she highlighted.

Moeti concluded that strengthening diabetes control in the African region demands addressing key gaps, including myths and misconceptions about diabetes, fragile primary health care systems and insufficient capacity and training of health care workers.