Diabetes affected 24.6 million adults in Africa in 2024
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on ThisDay
In 2024, 24.6 million adults aged 20 to 79 were living with diabetes in the World Health Organisation's African Region, a figure that could reach 59.5 million by 2050. Nearly three out of four people with diabetes are unaware of their condition, according to the International Diabetes Federation, while the WHO is calling for stronger screening and access to care.
Some 24.6 million adults aged 20 to 79 were living with diabetes in the World Health Organisation's African Region in 2024. This number could reach 59.5 million by 2050, Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said in a message devoted to World Diabetes Day 2026, according to ThisDay.
Nearly three out of four adults with diabetes in Africa reportedly remain undiagnosed, according to the International Diabetes Federation, the highest proportion in the world. This situation exposes many patients to kidney failure, blindness, cardiovascular disease and lower-limb amputations.
Mohamed Janabi called on governments, health professionals and communities to strengthen early screening and access to affordable care. He cited excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue and blurred vision among the warning signs. The WHO supports countries through its non-communicable disease management programmes, including PEN-Plus, already deployed across all districts in Rwanda, ThisDay reports.
The warning follows the publication on 30 October 2026 of a report on three out of four African diabetes patients who are unaware of their condition.
