The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, has urged governments, healthcare workers, and the public to take early action against diabetes, a disease affecting millions of people across the continent. On World Diabetes Day 2026, Dr. Janabi emphasized the need for increased awareness, early diagnosis, and access to quality and affordable diabetes care. He noted that an estimated 24.6 million adults live with diabetes in Africa, with many unaware of their condition until serious complications develop.
According to Dr. Janabi, the International Diabetes Federation estimates that the number of adults living with diabetes in Africa will reach 59.5 million by 2050. He expressed concern that nearly three out of four adults living with diabetes remain undiagnosed, the highest proportion globally. This is alarming, as many are at risk of serious complications, including kidney failure, blindness, cardiovascular disease, and lower-limb amputations.
Dr. Janabi listed the symptoms of diabetes, including increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness, and blurred vision. He urged the public to know these symptoms and act early, seeking testing and medical advice promptly. People at increased risk should also seek screening, as diabetes can develop without obvious symptoms. Dr. Janabi encouraged communities to raise awareness, share accurate information, and challenge stigma and discrimination.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa emphasized the importance of early recognition of symptoms, timely testing, and delivery of compassionate, person-centred care by healthcare workers. He noted that every patient encounter is an opportunity to promote prevention and prevent complications. Dr. Janabi expressed hope through WHO's Package of Essential Non-communicable diseases (WHO PEN), technical package for cardiovascular disease (HEARTS), and other initiatives supporting countries to strengthen diabetes services.
Dr. Janabi commended Rwanda for achieving nationwide district-level coverage of PEN-Plus and encouraged other countries to advance implementation. However, he noted that significant gaps remain in access to trained health workers, diagnostics, essential medicines, and continuous care. He called on governments to prioritize diabetes prevention, early diagnosis, and continuous care within primary health care and universal health coverage.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa urged governments to invest in public awareness, affordable insulin and essential medicines, diagnostics, trained health workers, and reliable health systems. He also called on development partners, civil society, and the private sector to support country-led efforts, particularly in underserved communities. WHO remains committed to supporting Member States to accelerate progress in achieving the 2030 targets of the Framework for the implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact.
On World Diabetes Day, Dr. Janabi's message was simple: know the symptoms, do not ignore warning signs, seek testing and care early, and encourage others to do the same. He emphasized that together, we can build an Africa where diabetes is detected early, quality treatment is accessible to all, and no one loses their sight, a limb, or their life because diabetes was diagnosed too late.
Key points
- An estimated 24.6 million adults live with diabetes in Africa.
- The number of adults living with diabetes in Africa is projected to reach 59.5 million by 2050.
- Nearly three out of four adults living with diabetes in Africa remain undiagnosed.
