WHO: Estimated 24.6 Million Adults Living With Diabetes in Africa

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that an estimated 24.6 million adults aged 20 to 79 years are living with diabetes in Africa as of 2024, with this number projected to rise to 59.5 million by 2050. Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted that diabetes is increasingly affecting lives and livelihoods across the continent, yet many remain undiagnosed until serious complications arise.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, nearly three out of four adults living with diabetes in Africa are undiagnosed, making it the highest proportion globally. Janabi emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment to prevent complications and urged individuals, communities, governments, health workers, and partners to strengthen awareness, promote early diagnosis, and ensure access to quality, affordable diabetes care.

He called for public awareness of symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness, and blurred vision, and urged healthcare workers to recognise symptoms early and provide compassionate, person-centred care. Despite some progress, Janabi noted significant gaps in access to trained health workers, diagnostics, essential medicines, and continuous care, urging governments to prioritise diabetes prevention, early diagnosis, and continuous care within primary healthcare and universal health coverage.

Brief written by urgent.news from This Day's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.