By oluwaseyi Adediran
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on the rising cases of diabetes in Africa, with over 24 million adults in Nigeria and other African countries currently living with
the disease. What’s even more concerning is that half of these cases remain undiagnosed.
According to Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, diabetes is a chronic lifelong disease that can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels, resulting in serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure, lower-limb amputation, and eye disease that can result in blindness.
The cost of treating diabetes per person has surged significantly over the years. In Nigeria, for instance, the cost of treatment has risen from an average of N60,000 in 2011 to N800,000 in 2021. This number is projected to exceed N1,000,000 by 2030, posing a significant economic burden on individuals and families.
Dr. Moeti emphasized the need for urgent intervention to address the rising cases of diabetes in Africa. She noted that without immediate action, the number of people living with diabetes in Africa is projected to rise to 54 million by 2045, which is the highest projected increase globally.
To manage diabetes effectively, Dr. Moeti stressed the importance of a sustained effort to balance physical health activity, healthy diet, and mental well-being. She also emphasized the need for comprehensive prevention strategies to address risk factors such as obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity.
The WHO has expressed its commitment to supporting governments in their efforts to implement policies that enhance access to essential medicines, strengthen primary health care systems, and invest in diabetes prevention and care.
The rising cases of diabetes in Africa are a cause for concern, and urgent intervention is needed to address this growing health crisis. By working together, we can raise awareness about diabetes, improve access to treatment, and support individuals living with the disease to manage their condition effectively.
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