The statistics on diabetes in Africa in 2021 are alarming. A recent study revealed that more than 800 million adults worldwide suffer from the disease, and that more than half of people over the age of 30 with diabetes are not receiving any treatment.
Among the countries most affected are those on the African continent, where 17 million people die each year before the age of 70 from a noncommunicable disease, such as diabetes.
In sub-Saharan Africa, only between 5 and 10% of adults with diabetes are receiving treatment. These figures highlight a serious health crisis that requires urgent action.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has stressed the need for rapid action in the face of the diabetes epidemic. He highlighted the alarming increase in the number of diabetes cases over the past three decades, driven by an increase in obesity, the promotion of unhealthy food products, a lack of physical activity and economic hardship.
To reverse this worrying trend, it is crucial to put in place policies that promote healthy diets and regular physical activity, while strengthening health systems to promote prevention, early detection and treatment of diabetes.
The World Health Organization has set global targets for diabetes management by 2030. For the African continent, this means increased access to screening, in the hope of providing a better quality of life and a healthier future for affected populations.
In conclusion, it is imperative to act in a concerted and urgent manner to combat the growing prevalence of diabetes in Africa and globally. Early detection, easier access to care and increased awareness are key elements to curb this epidemic and improve the health and well-being of affected populations.