Over 24 million Africans living with diabetes, WHO warns
WHO warns of growing diabetes burden across life stages as millions remain undiagnosed, urging stronger health systems and early intervention
In Abuja yesterday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised the alarm that over 24 million adults aged between 20 and 79 years are now living with diabetes on the African continent, and unless things change, that number is projected to swell to 60 million by 2050.
For Nigeria, the stakes are rising. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), about three million Nigerian adults were living with diabetes in 2024.
In a message marking World Diabetes Day, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, said the “scale and speed” of the rise in diabetes are unlike anything the region has seen before. He pointed to changing lifestyles, rising rates of overweight and obesity, and limited access to preventive care as the key drivers of the crisis.
The gravity of the problem is clear. Diabetes, if unchecked, can ravage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Dr Janabi warned that Nigeria and its neighbours risk overwhelming health systems, straining economies, and erasing development gains if urgent action is not taken.
With this in mind, the WHO emphasises that health systems must be resilient, adequately resourced, and organised to deliver continuous care. From early diagnosis to lifetime management of complications, every life stage counts. The theme this year, “Diabetes Across Life Stages”, signals that the disease affects everyone, from children and adolescents to adults and older people, with unique challenges at each age requiring tailored responses.
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Dr Janabi recalled that in 2024, African member states endorsed the Framework for the Implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact in Africa, reaffirming their commitment to equitable and comprehensive care. Guided by this framework, countries such as Ghana and Uganda are integrating diabetes and cardiovascular services into primary healthcare, demonstrating that prevention and treatment can be scaled.
WHO is also supporting countries in adapting and implementing frameworks for prevention and control. Its PEN package, operational in 31 countries, and PEN-Plus, implemented in 20 countries, are expanding access to cost-effective, quality care for chronic diseases at the primary care level.
Dr Janabi emphasised the need to translate commitment into tangible results, stressing that countries must strengthen governance, increase financing for non-communicable disease services, and integrate diabetes prevention and treatment into national health and primary care plans.
Diabetes is already affecting too many lives in Nigeria. Early screening, proper care, and staying informed are not just smart; they are necessary to protect your health and the community around you.
