The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a serious warning that 60 million African adults could have diabetes by 2050 if urgent steps are not taken to address current health and lifestyle trends. According to the WHO, the number of adults living with diabetes in Africa currently stands at over 24 million, but this figure could more than double within the next 25 years if preventive actions are not implemented swiftly.
According to Arise news, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, emphasized this concern in a statement marking World Diabetes Day 2025, noting that the continent faces an alarming surge in diabetes cases fueled by poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and limited access to preventive and primary healthcare services. He cautioned that if the situation remains unchecked, it will not only overwhelm Africa’s already fragile health systems but also strain economies and reverse years of development progress.
Dr. Janabi explained that diabetes in Africa is being driven by multiple interconnected factors. Changing lifestyles, the growing prevalence of obesity, and limited healthcare access have all contributed to the rise. “In the WHO African Region, more than 24 million adults aged between 20 and 79 currently live with diabetes,” he said. “This number is projected to increase dramatically, reaching about 60 million African adults with diabetes by 2050. Almost half of those affected do not even know they have the disease, leaving them at risk of severe complications and early death.”
He further warned that diabetes, if left unmanaged, can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, and nerve damage. These consequences, he said, extend beyond individual suffering to affect families, communities, and national economies. “Unless we act now,” Janabi noted, “this health crisis will cripple our healthcare systems, hinder productivity, and erode hard-won gains in public health and economic stability.”
This year’s World Diabetes Day theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” reflects the understanding that the disease affects people at every stage of life — from children and teenagers to adults and the elderly. WHO said this theme is aimed at raising awareness that prevention, early diagnosis, and management of diabetes must be prioritized throughout the lifespan.
To curb the looming crisis, WHO urged African countries to strengthen their health systems so that they are better equipped to provide continuous and comprehensive care — from prevention and early detection to effective treatment and lifelong support. The organization highlighted that African nations must invest in building “resilient and adequately resourced health systems” capable of handling chronic diseases like diabetes.
WHO also pointed to some progress being made under the Global Diabetes Compact Framework, which was endorsed by African Member States in 2024. Countries such as Ghana and Uganda have already begun integrating diabetes and cardiovascular services into their primary healthcare structures. Additionally, WHO’s PEN (Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions) and PEN-Plus programs, which are currently operational in over 30 African nations, are helping to expand access to affordable, quality care for people living with chronic illnesses.
However, WHO stressed that these efforts must be backed by strong political will, consistent financing, and reliable medical supply chains to sustain progress. Data systems and effective patient referral mechanisms are also key components of ensuring that people receive the care they need, when they need it.
Dr. Janabi concluded by reaffirming WHO’s commitment to supporting African governments in the fight against diabetes. He said this year’s campaign seeks to promote one central goal — empowering individuals living with diabetes to lead healthy, fulfilling lives at every stage. “We must move from awareness to action,” he said. “If we act decisively today, we can prevent millions of future cases and ensure that 60 million African adults do not have diabetes by 2050.”