WHO Calls for Action Against Rising Diabetes Cases in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged African leaders to intensify efforts against diabetes, describing it as a "silent killer" on the continent.

Marking the 2024 World Diabetes Day, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's Regional Director for Africa, highlighted an alarming increase in diabetes prevalence in Africa, driven by urbanization, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles.

“More than 24 million adults in Africa are currently living with diabetes, half of whom remain undiagnosed,” she stated. Dr. Moeti warned that without urgent interventions, the number could rise to 54 million by 2045, the highest projected increase globally.

She expressed concern over the low investment in diabetes care, which accounts for only 1% of Africa's total health expenditure. Traditional health systems, designed to address infectious diseases, have left chronic conditions like diabetes under-prioritized.

“Managing diabetes requires balancing physical activity, a healthy diet, and mental well-being,” Dr. Moeti emphasized. She called for collaborative prevention strategies, community engagement, and increased investment in primary healthcare systems to combat the disease effectively.

In Nigeria, the prevalence rate of diabetes is projected at 3.46% of adults in 2024. Regional data indicates that the South-South zone has the highest prevalence at 9.8%, while the North-Central zone records the lowest at 3%.

Dr. Uche Okenyi of Hova's Place Hospital, Lagos, emphasized the importance of education on diabetes and its risk factors, including obesity, calorie overconsumption, and lack of exercise. He also highlighted two types of diabetes:

• Type 1 Diabetes: Often affecting adolescents due to the destruction of insulin-producing cells.
• Type 2 Diabetes: More common in adults, linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity and physical inactivity.

Dr. Okenyi urged the government to raise awareness about diabetes prevention, invest in healthcare, and implement policies promoting healthy lifestyles. He also called on corporate organizations to support employee health through education and structured work schedules that encourage exercise.

Additionally, Dr. Innocent Emeka of Divine Hospital, Lagos, stressed the need for better access to diagnostic tools and medications, including insulin. He warned that untreated diabetes could lead to severe complications affecting the kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart, and brain.

The WHO reiterated its commitment to holistic solutions, advocating for improved nutrition, access to essential medicines, and mental health support to address the growing diabetes crisis in Africa.