The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent warning over the escalating diabetes crisis in Africa, calling for swift and coordinated action to curb the continent’s rising burden of the disease. Over 24 million adults are currently living with diabetes, yet nearly half remain undiagnosed, exposing millions to severe complications and premature death.

During the 2025 World Diabetes Day commemoration themed “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, described the situation as an “unprecedented rise” driven by lifestyle changes, poor diets, and inadequate access to essential health services. He cautioned that without strong preventive strategies and improved access to affordable insulin, the crisis could overwhelm Africa’s fragile health systems.

WHO projections indicate that the number of adults living with diabetes in Africa could soar to 60 million by 2050, a development that would severely impact public health and economic stability. “Without immediate intervention, this burden will undermine decades of development gains,” Dr. Janabi warned.

To combat this growing threat, Dr. Janabi urged countries to strengthen primary healthcare systems, invest in noncommunicable disease (NCD) programs, and ensure continuous, affordable care from prevention to lifelong management. He emphasized that diabetes is often preventable or manageable when detected early—especially during the insulin-resistance stage, offering a crucial “15-year window” for effective intervention. Promoting healthy lifestyles, including regular exercise and balanced diets, remains central to the WHO’s strategy.

Encouraging progress has been recorded in some countries. Ghana and Uganda, for instance, are integrating diabetes and cardiovascular services into their primary healthcare frameworks. The WHO continues to support such efforts through its Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (WHO PEN) and PEN-Plus initiatives, which are now active in 31 and 20 African countries, respectively. These programs aim to expand diagnostic services and improve access to lifesaving medicines, especially insulin.

This year’s campaign, “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” emphasizes that people living with diabetes can lead healthy and fulfilling lives with the right support. It highlights the importance of early diagnosis for children, proper management for women during pregnancy, workplace flexibility for adults, and sustained care for older persons.

Dr. Janabi concluded by calling for multi-sectoral collaboration between governments, health institutions, and civil society. “We must guarantee access to affordable medicines, nutritious food, and supportive environments for all. Tackling diabetes is not a health issue alone, it is a development imperative,” he said.