The recent alert from the World Health Organisation (WHO) urging African leaders not to relax their efforts in combating diabetes, which it describes as a “silent killer,” serves as a wake-up call, particularly for Nigerians and the nation’s health sector.
In her message commemorating the 2024 World Diabetes Day, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, highlighted a troubling rise in diabetes prevalence across Africa. She attributed this increase to factors such as urbanisation, unhealthy diets, and insufficient physical activity. Dr. Moeti expressed concern that without urgent interventions, the number of people living with diabetes in Africa could surge to 54 million by 2045, marking the highest projected increase globally.
Currently, over 24 million adults in Africa live with diabetes, half of whom remain undiagnosed. Dr. Moeti noted, “Amid the escalating diabetes prevalence in Africa, compounded by urbanisation, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles, this year’s theme underscores the necessity for a unified approach to addressing this ‘silent killer.’” She emphasised the need for comprehensive strategies, warning that diabetes care investment in Africa accounts for just 1% of the region’s health expenditure, the lowest worldwide. Additionally, healthcare systems traditionally focus on acute infectious diseases, neglecting chronic conditions like diabetes.
Effective diabetes management, she said, requires a holistic effort encompassing physical activity, healthy eating, and mental well-being. She reiterated WHO’s commitment to enhancing access to essential medicines, mental health support, and nutrition in Africa. Prevention strategies targeting risk factors such as obesity and inactivity, combined with community-driven engagement to reduce stigma, are also essential.
Dr. Moeti called on individuals, communities, governments, health workers, and civil society organisations to take action. “Individuals should prioritise a healthy lifestyle and seek regular medical check-ups if living with diabetes.
Communities can foster supportive environments for healthy living, while governments must strengthen policies to improve access to essential medicines and invest in primary healthcare systems.”
In Nigeria, diabetes prevalence has been steadily rising, with an estimated rate of 3.46% among adults in 2024. Regional variations exist, with the South-South zone recording the highest rate at 9.8%, while the North-Central zone has the lowest at 3.8%. Urbanisation, poor diets, lack of exercise, and harmful behaviours like tobacco and alcohol use are major contributors.
Dr. Uche Okenyi of Hova’s Place Hospital, Lagos, emphasised the need for Nigerians to understand diabetes and its causes. He warned that without urgent action, WHO’s predictions would become reality. Explaining the disease, he noted Type 1 diabetes results from insulin deficiency, often affecting adolescents, while Type 2 diabetes, linked to obesity and poor lifestyle choices, typically affects adults over 40.
Dr. Okenyi highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns to educate the public about risk factors and promote healthier lifestyles. He urged the government to fund healthcare adequately and manage conditions that could lead to diabetes. Corporate organisations should also prioritise employee wellness by promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting healthcare initiatives.
Dr. Innocent Emeka of Divine Hospital, Lagos, stressed the urgency of increasing education, improving access to diagnostic tools, and ensuring the availability of insulin. He warned that untreated diabetes could lead to severe complications, while undiagnosed cases further exacerbate the issue. He called for community-level training for health workers to enhance diabetes prevention and management.
Addressing diabetes in Africa requires a unified approach involving all stakeholders—individuals, communities, governments, and organisations. By raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting effective prevention and care, it is possible to curb the rise of this silent killer.
