The World Health Organization’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, has highlighted the growing threat of diabetes across the continent, warning that delayed diagnosis and inadequate access to care are exposing millions of people to potentially life-threatening complications.
The warning comes amid projections that the number of adults living with diabetes in the African region could rise from approximately 24.6 million in 2024 to 59.5 million by 2050.
The figures, published by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), underline the scale of the challenge facing health authorities as populations grow and demand for effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment increases.
Janabi raised concerns in a message associated with World Diabetes Day 2026, observed annually on November 14. This year’s theme, according to the information provided, is “Early Action on Diabetes.”
The emphasis on early intervention reflects growing concern that many people living with the condition are not diagnosed until complications have already developed.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body regulates blood glucose. Without appropriate management, it can damage blood vessels and nerves and increase the risk of serious health problems.
These complications can include chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, vision loss and lower-limb amputations.
Africa Faces a Major Diagnosis Gap
Data from the International Diabetes Federation indicate that Africa has the highest proportion of undiagnosed diabetes cases among the organisation’s regional groupings.
Approximately 72.6 per cent of adults with diabetes in the IDF African region were estimated to be undiagnosed in 2024.
That means millions of people may be living with the condition without knowing they have it, potentially delaying access to treatment, monitoring and lifestyle support.
The situation places additional pressure on healthcare systems, particularly in communities where access to diagnostic services, trained medical personnel and essential medicines remains limited.
Early diagnosis can help people receive appropriate care before severe complications develop. Public awareness, routine screening for people at increased risk and stronger primary healthcare services are therefore important elements of diabetes prevention and management.
Rising Cases Could Strain Health Systems
The projected increase from 24.6 million adults in 2024 to 59.5 million by 2050 represents a substantial future burden for African health systems.
The International Diabetes Federation estimates that the number of adults living with diabetes in the region could increase by approximately 142 per cent over that period.
The financial consequences could also be significant for individuals, families and governments.
People living with diabetes may require long-term medication, regular clinical assessments, dietary adjustments and monitoring to reduce the risk of complications. Where treatment is inaccessible or unaffordable, the disease can contribute to preventable disability, lost income and premature death.
Health authorities also face the challenge of addressing other conditions that can increase the risk of diabetes or complicate its management, including obesity, physical inactivity and cardiovascular disease.
Call for Early Action and Better Access to Care
The warning reinforces the need for African countries to strengthen prevention programmes, improve public awareness and expand access to affordable diagnosis and treatment.
Public health campaigns can help people recognise risk factors and understand the importance of seeking medical advice when necessary. Healthcare providers also need adequate resources to diagnose the condition, support patients and monitor complications.
Governments, healthcare professionals and development partners will need sustained investment in primary healthcare and non-communicable disease programmes to address the projected increase.
The figures also highlight the importance of reliable health data, which can help governments identify gaps in diagnosis, allocate resources and measure the effectiveness of interventions.
As World Diabetes Day approaches, the central public health message is clear: early diagnosis and consistent management can reduce the risk of serious complications and improve the quality of life of people living with diabetes.