Hussaini Ibrahim 
KANO, Nigeria — The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that more than 60 million Africans could be living with diabetes by 2050 if urgent interventions are not implemented, describing the disease as a rapidly escalating public health threat.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, issued the alert in a statement marking World Diabetes Day 2025, themed “Diabetes Across Life Stages.”
“Africa is confronting a troubling rise in diabetes. The pace of growth demands urgent, sustained action,” Janabi said.
Currently, 24 million African adults live with diabetes, nearly half undiagnosed. Many discover the condition only after severe complications such as kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage or limb amputation.
Janabi said African health systems must shift from crisis-focused care to long-term disease management involving screening, early diagnosis, medication access and patient support.
He highlighted commitments under the Global Diabetes Compact and expansion of WHO PEN and PEN-Plus programmes across the continent.
“We must guarantee access to affordable insulin, essential technologies and lifelong care,” he urged.
Without decisive political will, WHO warns diabetes could become one of Africa’s most damaging chronic health crises.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Koko Maxwella 