The World Health Organization (WHO) says the number of people with diabetes in Africa will rise to 54 million by 2045 unless urgent action is taken to alleviate it.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said this in a message on Thursday to mark World Diabetes Day under the theme “Breaking barriers, bridging gaps”.
According to Moeti, more than 24 million adults in Africa currently have diabetes, half of whom remain undiagnosed.
“With the increasing prevalence of diabetes in Africa complicated by a variety of factors including urbanization, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, this theme pertinently highlights the need for a collaborative approach to this ‘silent killer’.”
“Without urgent intervention, the number of people with diabetes in Africa is expected to increase to 54 million by 2045. “This is the highest growth rate globally.” she added.
WHO’s efforts to reduce diabetes risk
According to her, WHO’s fundamental commitment is to reduce risks and ensure that everyone diagnosed with diabetes has access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable and quality treatment and care.
She said diabetes, a chronic, lifelong condition, causes blood sugar levels to become uncontrolled because the body can no longer produce or use the insulin it produces efficiently.
Moeti said left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications including heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure, lower extremity amputations and eye disease that can lead to blindness.
“This results in a serious double health and economic burden, including significant expenditures by individuals to control the disease.” she said
Africa’s low investment in diabetes care
“A further challenge is that Africa has the lowest rate of investment in diabetes care globally. It accounts for just 1% of local health spending.“Moeti pointed out.
She pointed out that health care systems have traditionally been designed to deal with acute infectious diseases without paying enough attention to chronic conditions such as diabetes.
According to her, managing diabetes requires an ongoing effort to balance physical health activity, healthy eating, and mental health. “WHO in Africa is committed to holistic solutions, including adequate nutrition, access to essential medicines and mental health support.”
“It is equally important to combine community engagement with comprehensive prevention strategies to address risk factors such as obesity, poor diet and physical activity to ensure good support systems and reduced stigma.” she added.
Significant advances in diabetes treatment
The Director noted that one of the important developments was the endorsement of WHO’s framework for the implementation of the Global Diabetes Convention (GDC) in Africa by African Member States at the 74th meeting of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa last August.
“With a particular focus on the challenge of integrating diabetes care into the wider healthcare system in a multi-sectoral approach, this report provides a roadmap for countries to strengthen diabetes prevention, diagnosis and treatment, particularly at the primary care level.” she said
Call for collective action
“Today I call on individuals, communities, governments, health workers, policy makers and civil society organizations to join hands and act now.” Moeti concluded.
She said: ““For individuals, prioritize a healthy lifestyle and get regular health check-ups if you already have diabetes.”
According to her, communities can play a role by creating a supportive environment that promotes healthy living, reduces stigma, and provides access to affordable diabetes care and education.
“For governments, we pledge our full support to your efforts to implement policies that improve access to essential medicines, strengthen primary health care systems, and strengthen comprehensive investments in diabetes prevention and treatment.”
“Strengthening diabetes care in Africa requires addressing key gaps, including myths and misconceptions about diabetes, weak primary health care systems, and lack of capacity and training of health workers.” You have fashion.
Moeti concluded. “Together, let us commit to breaking down barriers and bridging gaps by raising awareness, spreading knowledge and creating lasting change for all people in Africa affected by diabetes.”
