The World Health Organisation (WHO)says diabetes continues to surge across Africa, with more than 24 million adults aged 20 to 79 currently living with the condition. The figure is expected to rise sharply, reaching an estimated 60 million by 2050 if the present trajectory remains unchanged.
WHO estimates that around 12 million people on the continent are living with diabetes without knowing it, a situation that puts millions at heightened risk of complications, disability, and premature death.
The warning came from the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, in a statement delivered on Monday in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Diabetes Day. He explained that Africa is witnessing an alarming growth in diabetes cases fuelled by lifestyle changes, rising obesity, and limited access to preventive care and basic health services. He stressed that the pace of this rise demands immediate and ongoing intervention.
According to Janabi, uncontrolled diabetes gradually harms vital organs including the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves, with devastating consequences for families and entire communities. He cautioned that if the trend continues, health systems could become overstretched, national economies could weaken, and years of development progress may be lost.
He also highlighted the need for stronger and well-funded health systems capable of providing continuous support from prevention and early detection to long-term treatment and management.
In his message, he noted: “This year, we mark World Diabetes Day under the theme ‘Diabetes Across Life Stages’. Diabetes spares no one. It affects children, adolescents, adults and older people, with each life stage presenting distinct challenges that require tailored responses. The theme recognises that prevention and care must extend across the entire life course.”
Looking back at recent commitments, Janabi pointed to the 2024 adoption of the Framework for the Implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact in Africa, a move he said reaffirmed Member States’ promise to deliver fair and comprehensive diabetes care. He cited examples such as Ghana and Uganda where diabetes and cardiovascular services are being incorporated into primary healthcare.
Janabi also referenced WHO-supported programmes such as the PEN package, currently active in 31 African countries, and the PEN-Plus initiative, operating in 20 countries, both of which are improving access to affordable and quality treatment for chronic illnesses. He stressed that long-term success will depend on steady funding, reliable supply chains, and more efficient referral and data systems.
He explained further: “We can prevent progression to full-blown diabetes, with vascular complications, if we detect it at insulin-resistance stage. We have a window of up to 15 years to control diabetes. Regular exercise, healthy eating and appropriate medication can slow progression and make living with diabetes far more manageable. This year’s campaign highlights a single unifying goal: empowering people living with diabetes to live well at every stage of life. It aims to ensure that early diagnosis for children and consistent care promote healthy growth and learning, while effective management for women of reproductive age, before and during pregnancy, safeguards both mother and child.
“For working-age adults, we need to ensure accessible, affordable services, together with supportive workplaces, protect productivity and wellbeing and for older people, continued and compassionate care helps prevent complications, and preserve independence.”
Janabi called on governments to move beyond policy statements and deliver concrete results by expanding funding for noncommunicable diseases, strengthening health governance, and embedding diabetes treatment and prevention in national health plans. He added that policies encouraging healthier diets, physical activity, and reduced consumption of unhealthy foods are central to slowing the rise of new cases.
He noted the need for uninterrupted access to essential medicines such as insulin, alongside diagnostic tools, mental health support, and everyday resources that help people manage diabetes with dignity.
He concluded that the responsibility for reversing the diabetes trend rests with governments, healthcare professionals, civil society, local communities, and individuals.
He urged African leaders to renew their commitment to providing quality care and sustained support so that people living with diabetes can enjoy long, healthy, and fulfilling lives, while also removing barriers that limit access to care and creating environments that encourage healthier living.
