WHO Warns Three Quarters of African Diabetics Undiagnosed

WHO Warns Three-Quarters of African Diabetics Undiagnosed

WHO warns that approximately 75% of African adults with diabetes are undiagnosed, risking serious complications. Experts urge expanded screening, better access to care, and stronger health systems across the continent.

ValueDrive Post Editor Oct 31, 2026 2 min read

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Introduction

World Health Organization officials have raised concerns about the growing diabetes burden in Africa, where a significant proportion of affected adults remain unaware of their condition.

What Happened

According to WHO data, approximately 24.6 million African adults aged 20 to 79 were living with diabetes in 2024, with projections indicating the number could rise to 59.5 million by 2050. Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, shared these findings in a message marking World Diabetes Day 2026, themed 'Early Action on Diabetes'.

Why This Matters

The International Diabetes Federation reports that nearly 75% of adults with diabetes in Africa are undiagnosed—the highest proportion globally. Without detection, patients face elevated risks of kidney failure, blindness, cardiovascular disease, and lower-limb amputations. Common warning signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness, and blurred vision.

Key Takeaways

Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent complications, reduce suffering, and save lives.
Recognizing symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision enables prompt testing and care.
WHO and partners are supporting countries through the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Diseases (WHO PEN), along with the HEARTS and HEARTS-D technical packages for diabetes and cardiovascular disease management.
Rwanda has achieved nationwide district-level coverage of the PEN-Plus strategy, yet significant gaps persist in access to trained health workers, diagnostics, essential medicines, and continuous care across the region.
Governments are urged to prioritize diabetes prevention, early diagnosis, and continuous care within primary health care and universal health coverage frameworks, requiring sustained investment in public awareness, affordable insulin, and reliable health systems.

Conclusion

Addressing the undiagnosed diabetes crisis in Africa requires coordinated action, increased health system investment, and widespread public education. WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Member States in accelerating progress toward the 2030 targets of the Global Diabetes Compact framework in the African Region, emphasizing that timely intervention can transform outcomes for millions across the continent.