Diabetes epidemic looms as Africa faces 54m cases by 2045
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, sounded the alarm on Thursday, warning that the number of people living with diabetes in Africa is projected to skyrocket to 54 million by 2045.
Moeti shared this in her message commemorating the 2024 World Diabetes Day, themed “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps.”
Diabetes is a chronic, lifelong condition that results in uncontrolled blood sugar levels, either because the body cannot produce insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it does produce.
“Without urgent intervention, it is predicted 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, with individuals facing catastrophic costs to manage their condition.
“Adding to the challenge, Africa has the world’s lowest investment rate in diabetes care, with just one per cent of the region’s health budget allocated to it. Health systems are traditionally structured to address acute, infectious diseases, with insufficient focus on chronic conditions like diabetes,” she explained.
“Left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications including heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and eye disease, which can cause blindness,” Dr. Moeti cautioned.
Currently, over 24 million adults in the WHO African Region live with diabetes, with half remaining undiagnosed. The rising prevalence is driven by factors such as urbanization, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical activity.
This year’s World Diabetes Day theme emphasizes the need for urgent action. Dr. Moeti stressed that managing diabetes requires a holistic approach, including access to proper nutrition, essential medicines, and mental health support.
Africa has the world’s lowest investment rate in diabetes care, allocating just 1% of its health budget to the condition. Dr. Moeti emphasized the importance of addressing risk factors and community engagement to provide support systems and reduce stigma.
Dr. Moeti urged individuals, communities, governments, health workers, policymakers, and civil society organizations to unite and act now.
“Individuals should prioritize a healthy lifestyle, and those living with diabetes should have regular check-ups. Communities can contribute by fostering supportive environments that encourage healthy living, reduce stigma, and provide access to affordable diabetes care and education.”
Key Statistics:
– 24 million adults currently live with diabetes in the WHO African Region
– 50% of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed
– 54 million projected to suffer from diabetes by 2045
– 1% of Africa’s health budget allocated to diabetes care
The WHO’s Framework for Implementing the Global Diabetes Compact in Africa offers a roadmap for countries to enhance diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and care.
As Dr. Moeti concluded, “We pledge our support to governments in implementing policies that expand access to essential medicines, strengthen primary healthcare systems, and prioritize diabetes prevention and care.”
Diabetes epidemic looms as Africa faces 54m cases by 2045
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, sounded the alarm on Thursday, warning that the number of people living with diabetes in Africa is projected to skyrocket to 54 million by 2045.
Moeti shared this in her message commemorating the 2024 World Diabetes Day, themed “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps.”
Diabetes is a chronic, lifelong condition that results in uncontrolled blood sugar levels, either because the body cannot produce insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it does produce.
“Without urgent intervention, it is predicted 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, with individuals facing catastrophic costs to manage their condition.
“Adding to the challenge, Africa has the world’s lowest investment rate in diabetes care, with just one per cent of the region’s health budget allocated to it. Health systems are traditionally structured to address acute, infectious diseases, with insufficient focus on chronic conditions like diabetes,” she explained.
“Left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications including heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and eye disease, which can cause blindness,” Dr. Moeti cautioned.
Currently, over 24 million adults in the WHO African Region live with diabetes, with half remaining undiagnosed. The rising prevalence is driven by factors such as urbanization, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical activity.
This year’s World Diabetes Day theme emphasizes the need for urgent action. Dr. Moeti stressed that managing diabetes requires a holistic approach, including access to proper nutrition, essential medicines, and mental health support.
Africa has the world’s lowest investment rate in diabetes care, allocating just 1% of its health budget to the condition. Dr. Moeti emphasized the importance of addressing risk factors and community engagement to provide support systems and reduce stigma.
Dr. Moeti urged individuals, communities, governments, health workers, policymakers, and civil society organizations to unite and act now.
“Individuals should prioritize a healthy lifestyle, and those living with diabetes should have regular check-ups. Communities can contribute by fostering supportive environments that encourage healthy living, reduce stigma, and provide access to affordable diabetes care and education.”
Key Statistics:
– 24 million adults currently live with diabetes in the WHO African Region
– 50% of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed
– 54 million projected to suffer from diabetes by 2045
– 1% of Africa’s health budget allocated to diabetes care
The WHO’s Framework for Implementing the Global Diabetes Compact in Africa offers a roadmap for countries to enhance diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and care.
As Dr. Moeti concluded, “We pledge our support to governments in implementing policies that expand access to essential medicines, strengthen primary healthcare systems, and prioritize diabetes prevention and care.”
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