More than 24 million adults between the ages of 20 and 79 are living with diabetes in Africa, with projections indicating this number could rise to 60 million by 2050, the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed.
Of this population, around 12 million remain undiagnosed, facing growing risks of severe complications, disability, and premature death
Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, made this disclosure in a statement marking World Diabetes Day 2025 in Abuja.
He highlighted that Africa is experiencing a rapid rise in diabetes, fueled by shifting lifestyles, increasing rates of overweight and obesity, and limited access to preventive and primary healthcare services.
“Unless addressed urgently, diabetes can severely damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves, affecting individuals, families, and communities, and placing significant pressure on health systems and economies,” Dr. Janabi warned.
He stressed the importance of resilient health systems, adequately equipped to provide continuous care ranging from prevention and early diagnosis to treatment and lifelong support.
The 2025 World Diabetes Day theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” underscores that diabetes affects people at every age from children and adolescents to adults and older individuals requiring tailored responses for each stage of life.
Dr. Janabi recalled that in 2024, African member states endorsed the Framework for the Implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact in Africa, committing to equitable and comprehensive care. Countries including Ghana and Uganda are now integrating diabetes and cardiovascular services into primary healthcare systems.
WHO is supporting nations in adopting and executing strategies for prevention and treatment. The WHO PEN package, active in 31 countries, and PEN-Plus, operating in 20 countries, are expanding access to affordable, quality care for chronic illnesses at the primary healthcare level.
He emphasized that commitments must be translated into tangible results, urging countries to strengthen governance, increase funding for non-communicable disease services, and fully integrate diabetes prevention and treatment into national health and primary care plans.
