The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on African countries to urgently tackle the alarming rise of diabetes threatening millions across the continent. Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted in a World Diabetes Day 2025 message the unprecedented surge driven by lifestyle changes, rising obesity, and limited healthcare access.
Currently, over 24 million African adults aged 20-79 live with diabetes—a figure projected to more than double to 60 million by 2050 if unchecked. Nearly half remain undiagnosed, risking severe complications and premature death. Diabetes deeply impacts hearts, kidneys, eyes, and nerves, affecting individuals, families, and societies.
Janabi stressed the need for resilient health systems that provide prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and lifelong management. He lauded countries like Ghana and Uganda for integrating diabetes care into primary health services with WHO support.
The 2025 theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” underscores tailored interventions across childhood to older age, aligned with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. WHO urges strengthened health governance, increased financing, community education, and policies promoting healthy diets and physical activity.
The goal is simple but vital: empower people with diabetes to live healthy, dignified lives at every age and stop the growing crisis threatening Africa’s future.
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