The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, warned on Thursday that the number of people living with diabetes in Africa is expected to reach 54 million by 2045, marking the highest increase globally if urgent action is not taken. In her message for World Diabetes Day, themed “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” Moeti highlighted that over 24 million adults in the African region currently live with diabetes, with half of them undiagnosed.

She attributed the rising prevalence to urbanisation, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity. Moeti emphasized that untreated diabetes could lead to severe complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness, creating a significant health and economic burden. Despite this, Africa has the lowest investment in diabetes care, with only 1% of the region’s health budget allocated to it.

Moeti called for a holistic approach to diabetes management, including access to proper nutrition, essential medicines, and mental health support. She also stressed the importance of addressing risk factors like obesity and poor diet, as well as reducing stigma through community engagement.

Moeti commended the recent endorsement of the WHO’s Global Diabetes Compact by African Member States, which integrates diabetes care into broader health systems. She urged individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to take immediate action to improve diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and care in Africa.