•Matshidiso Moeti
As Africa faces a significant rise in diabetes cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning about the urgent need for action to combat this “silent killer.”
According to the Global Health Organisation, over 24 million adults in Africa are currently living with diabetes, with half of them unaware of their condition.
The situation is becoming increasingly urgent, as diabetes prevalence is projected to more than double to 54 million by 2045.
The growth, according to reports is the highest projected increase worldwide, stemming from multiple factors such as rapid urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, and poor diet.
WHO stated that notably, Africa has the lowest rate of investment in diabetes care worldwide, with just 1% of the region’s health expenditure allocated to addressing the chronic 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, noted that African health systems traditionally focused on combating infectious diseases thereby ill-equipped to manage the complexities of chronic conditions like diabetes, which require continuous care, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
In a statement to mark this year’s World Diabetes Day with theme ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps’, Moeti underscored 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.
Stressing the need for a holistic response, involving individuals, communities, and governments alike, she 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, prioritise 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.
