Diabetes, another scourge that Africa faces



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In 2019, it killed more than 360,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
In 2019, it killed more than 360,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

“Fighting Covid-19 shouldn’t make us lose sight of other health challenges. World Diabetes Day is a key moment to draw attention to this chronic disease, which increasingly threatens the lives of Africans, “said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa on the occasion of World Day diabetes.

A devious evil that is darkening

Diabetes is progressing rapidly. In 2019, it killed more than 360,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and nearly three-quarters of those deaths involve people under the age of 60, the highest percentage in the world. for this age group. The projections are alarming: the number of diabetics is expected to drop from 19.4 million in 2019 to nearly 29 million in 2030 and 47 million in 2045, according to IDF. Most worrying is the number of people living with undiagnosed diabetes, around 60%. “We need to change this by investing in the early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diabetes,” says Dr. Moeti.

Nearly three-quarters of these deaths are among people under the age of 60, the highest percentage in the world for this age group. © GARO / Phanie / Phanie via AFP

Often diagnosed too late, is the damage already there? The consequences can be dramatic: blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes and u amputation […] Read more

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